Research Assistant III, and Aging Society Program

Job Summary:

NOTE:

This is a 3-Month Term position from October 3, 2026 - January 3, 2027

Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies seeks applications for a Research Assistant to join the Housing an Aging Society program team and conduct research on issues related to housing and older adults for a period of 3 months.

Since its founding in 1959, the Center has been a leader in advancing public understanding of housing issues and policy. The Center strives to improve equitable access to decent, affordable homes in thriving communities. We conduct rigorous research to advance policy and practice, and we bring together diverse stakeholders to spark new ideas for addressing housing challenges. Through teaching and fellowships, we mentor and inspire the next generation of housing leaders.

The Housing an Aging Society program specifically addresses issues related to population aging and affordability, accessibility and safety, connections between housing and long-term care, and age-friendly communities, in service of advancing knowledge and strategies to ensure healthy, equitable, and affordable housing and neighborhoods for all older adults.

The Research Assistant will conduct quantitative and qualitative research on topics within the Program's research agenda and contribute to publications, presentations, and activities under the Program's purview. The Research Assistant will also participate in and support the Center's research and staff activities, including (but not limited to) research skill development, communications and external publications, internal events and meetings, and other tasks as needed.

The Center is a mission-driven organization that promotes a culture of collaboration, creativity, respect, diversity, and inclusion.

• Carries out quantitative and qualitative research on topics related to home repair programs aimed at older homeowners, including traveling to project case study sites to conduct interviews with older homeowners.
• Cleans administrative data related to housing for older adults with low incomes, for a project investigating the impact of service coordinators in older adults' buildings.
• Summarizes and compiles data through the statistical analysis of large-scale databases including (but not limited to) the American Housing Survey, Decennial Census, Current Population Survey, Survey of Consumer Finance, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, Residential Energy Consumption Survey, Rental Housing Finance Survey, and American Community Survey.
• Conducts literature and background research for reports and other tasks as needed.
• Works as a member of a team, contributing to all aspects of project development and execution. Submits periodic reports of project status to supervisor. Performs other project duties as required.
• Helps contribute positively to the Center's efforts to be an inclusive and equitable environment.

The Center is a hybrid work environment with some staff working in the office at least part of each work week while other staff are primarily remote. This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional flexible work options and details will be discussed during the interview process.

Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US

Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in housing and related topics, as well as experience with using statistical analysis programs to analyze large databases (familiarity with R or similar programs preferred). Experience working with Census datasets, and/or GIS mapping tools is a plus. Experience with writing for academic, industry, or policy audiences is also a plus.

Bachelor's degree in economics, public policy, urban planning, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant research experience required. Preference will be given to those with a Master's degree in one of these fields, as well as those with demonstrated strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills. Candidate must have employment eligibility to work in the United States.

Standard Hours/

Schedule:

35 hours per week

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment…