Research Assistant

Job Description

The mission of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government at the Harvard Kennedy School is to support current and future public sector leaders in improving the governance of states, counties, and cities. The Taubman Center and its affiliates, including the Government Performance Lab, Harvard Impact Labs, and the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, are generating solutions to pressing state and local government challenges through teaching, academic research, hands‑on projects with governments, and convenings that bring together policy makers and thought leaders to engage with faculty, staff, fellows, and students.

The Research Assistant will work directly with Professor Liebman on a variety of projects related to social policy, economic policy, and government performance. Specific topics may include early education, alternative 911 response, homelessness, social security reform, health care, budget policy, and government innovation.

The ideal candidate will have strong programming and quantitative skills, and a long‑term interest in pursuing research in economics or public policy.

• Analyze, manage, clean, and create datasets
• Conduct statistical analyses using languages such as Stata, R and Python
• Review literature and summarize findings
• Maintain documentation of datasets and analyses
• Help prepare manuscripts for publication and slides for conference presentations
• Help prepare teaching materials

This is an in‑person position, and the Research Assistant needs to be available to work on campus 5 days a week. Some weeks, 1‑2 days of remote work may be possible. Specific days and schedule will be determined with their supervisor.

• College background in economics and statistics
• Strong programming skills evidenced by experience with statistical and programming languages such as Stata, R and/or Python

If you meet some but not all of the requirements, we encourage you to apply:

• Outstanding achievement in coursework involving advanced quantitative analysis and economic concepts
• Ability to learn new statistical programming languages quickly
• Experience with statistical and programming languages such as STATA, R and/or Python
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, including on multiple projects at the same time
• Prior research experience from undergraduate thesis research, previous positions, internships, or practicums and/or college coursework is a plus
• Understanding of causal inference methods – randomized controlled trials, difference‑in‑differences, regression discontinuity, and related approaches is a plus

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire with possibility of renewal
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: This position requires working 5 days/week on‑site on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and is not eligible for remote work. 1‑2 days of remote work may be possible some weeks.

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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…