Research Associate

16-Apr-2024

Harvard Kennedy School

65477BR

Job Summary

Professor Matthew Lee is seeking a full-time Research Associate for one year or more. This role is a particularly good fit for candidates seeking to pursue a PhD or other research in the management of organizations, whether in a school of public policy, business school, or disciplinary department (i.e., sociology, economics). 

In this role, you will work closely with Professor Lee and his collaborators at the Harvard Kennedy School. Professor Lee is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Management at HKS, where he is a faculty affiliate of the Center for Public Leadership and Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.

Professor Lee’s research examines the strategies of social-mission driven organizations and their impact on society. He is particularly focused on organizations that pursue their missions within the context of business models, such as social enterprises, as well as multi-organization ecosystems of organizations across sectors that coordinate their activities toward shared social societal and environmental goals.

Position Description

In this role, you will primarily be responsible for the following tasks:

• Data collection and analysis: Collection and organization of quantitative data, cleaning and merging of datasets, design and production of tables and figures, and literature reviews.
• Writing and editing: Preparation of academic journal articles, articles for practitioners, teaching cases and presentations. Tasks may include participation in interviews, archival research, drafting and editing.
• Research coordination: Collaborate with multiple stakeholders including faculty, experts, and practitioners at Harvard and beyond. Tasks may include note-taking, project planning and management.

You will receive functional direction from Professor Lee and his collaborators at Harvard and at other academic institutions. As part of this role, you will join the vibrant research community and conversation at HKS, including access to a wide range of speakers and research seminars. 

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, along with research experience gained through work experience, internships, or academic work.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Interest and passion for building knowledge related to mission-driven organizations
• Professional skills, including timely and clear communication, ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, and to develop and execute plans for complex and sometimes non-linear work
• Analytical interest and competence, including experience with quantitative statistical software such as STATA and R
• Experience in and/or passion for learning the craft of academic research, such as social science writing and presentation
• Initiative and motivation to deliver excellent work
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English

We encourage candidates of all identities and backgrounds to apply and are committed to equitable hiring practices. 

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal. 
Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks. 

Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

405012 Admin Professional (N)

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Bloomberg Center for Cities

Annual Salary Range

70,000- 85,000

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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