Research and Data Specialist

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Research Computing and Data Services within Library and Research Services (LRS), and in support of the mission of the Harvard Kennedy School, the Research and Data Specialist bridges traditional reference services with specialized consultation, training, and facilitation in research and data for faculty, students, and fellows. This individual contributor role supports teaching and learning by administering student access to technology in courses, and working with faculty, administrative staff, and students to understand needs and champion solutions.

The Specialist works closely with the members of the Research Computing and Data Services and the Library Services groups to ensure alignment and integrated provision of solutions. The role works closely with the Director of Research Computing and Data Services to scope and address emerging needs of the HKS community.

• Delivers individualized, in-depth research and data consultations to faculty, students, and fellows, with a focus on reference research, research design, research methods and data analysis and assists students and researchers in identifying appropriate datasets and data sources, devising research strategies, and using citation and analytical tools effectively.

• In collaboration with LRS staff designs, develops, and delivers training and workshops to develop and enhance research and data skills; develops and continually improves instructional materials, curricula, and online training resources guided by best practices and needs of the community.

• Administers student licenses for tools used in courses at HKS (e.g. ChatGPT Edu and Claude)

• Manage user access to HKS and/or Harvard licensed data, software and other research, teaching, and learning resources.

• Supports data management processes related to course work, including reviewing data management plans for capstone projects and providing consultations in data management to students.

• Partners with the LRS Library Services group to embed research and data literacy into course-integrated instruction and orientations; embeds as a course consultant as requested by faculty.

• In collaboration with LRS staff, builds strong working relationships with faculty, research centers, students, and research-affiliated staff to understand data needs across the HKS community and works with the Director of Research Computing and Data Services and the Director of Library Services to proactively develop services and programming that address those needs.

• Fosters a spirit of teamwork and unity among the department that allows for disagreement over ideas and the appreciation of diversity as well as cohesiveness, support, and working effectively together to enable each employee and the department to succeed in our efforts to support the HKS community and mission.

• Master’s degree in library and information science, social science, or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in research data services, research consulting, or a closely related role in a research, teaching and learning organization.

• Proficiency in a programming language (such as R, Stata, Python) used in public policy, social science, or government and public administration research.
• Knowledge of datasets and information resources relevant to public policy, social science, or government and public administration research.
• Experience supporting research in a library with a focus on teaching, learning, and research, policy research institution, or similar environment.
• Familiarity with data management planning, open data practices, and reproducibility standards.
• Experience working with a…