Research Assistant II

Research Assistant II – Harvard Graduate School of Education

School/Unit:
Harvard Graduate School of Education

Job Function:
Research

Location:

Cambridge

Job Type:
Part-time

Salary Grade:
053

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt

Union:
55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Term Appointment:
Term (end date: June 30, 2026)

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The Research Assistant II will support the Open Canopy project, which develops an international online learning community focused on slow journalism and connecting Middle Eastern (MENA) and American youth. The role provides administrative, organizational, and intellectual support, including platform management, social media curation, technical and pedagogical assistance, documentation of student work, and exploration of AI integration.

• General organizational support (e.g., attending meetings, preparing materials, tracking project participation).
• Day‑to‑day platform management assistance (reviewing student work, maintaining contact with participating educators).
• Contributions to the development of project ideas and materials, including literature reviews, instructional resources, publications, presentations, and workshops.
• Social media and external outreach (helping manage social media and conducting project outreach).
• Conducting informal interviews via Zoom with educator participants.
• Providing technical support for online educational platforms.

Basic Qualifications:

• Some post‑high‑school training, preferably in education or a related field.
• One to two years of related work experience in K‑12 intercultural dialogue and exchange (relevant coursework or internships may count).
• Strong attention to detail, good communication skills (particularly in social media), excellent writing and analytic skills.
• Some video editing experience is preferred.

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree preferred, preferably in education or a related field.
• Comfortable communicating and collaborating with diverse audiences and participants across cultural contexts.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team.
• Tolerance for ambiguity, thriving in the unknown, and a sense of humor welcomed.
• Experience with online educational platforms and interest in journalism and AI.

• Appointment End Date: Date of Hire until June 30, 2026
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  20 hours per week / PT
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.