Research Assistant II at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA

Company Description:

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.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The We-Search Lab at Harvard University, directed by Ashwini Ashokkumar, is seeking a full-time Researcher Assistant with computational and data analysis skills for an exciting series of projects aimed at studying the psychology of political discourse. Projects will involve analyzing natural language datasets to answer research questions about identity processes and group dynamics.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Researcher Assistant's primary responsibilities will include: (1) Collecting and processing large-scale social media or other natural language datasets; (b) Developing and maintaining text analysis pipelines and data analysis scripts; (c) Organizing and maintaining these datasets in shared drives/servers; (d) Developing and leading original projects with the PI or collaborating with lab members on projects; (e) Writing manuscripts and presenting at conferences; and (f) Assisting with maintaining shared lab resources, such as IRB protocols.

This is an excellent and unique opportunity for a motivated individual to gain experience with computational social science research.

The candidate's contribution would likely lead to authorship on papers published from these projects.

 

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

College background in psychology, social/political science, communications, economics, computer science, data science, statistics, or related field. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• 1-2 years research experience in psychology, social/political science, communications, economics, computer science, data science, statistics, or related field
• Excellent data analysis and coding abilities, including skills in statistical analysis (e.g., R), computational methods (e.g., NLP methods), programming (e.g., Python), online research tools (e.g., Qualtrics)
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of organization with careful attention to detail
• This position requires a high degree of motivation, although extensive training and supervision will be provided

Additional Information:

• 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:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A cover letter describing your (a) research interests, (b)  prior research experience, including experience with statistical skills and methods, and (c) contact details of two references 
• CV
• One writing sample

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. All applications received by April 10 will receive full consideration. For more information, please visit the lab website (https://www.ashwinia.com) or contact the PI directly.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

This is a two-year term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding.

 

 

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Work Format Details

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.

Salary Grade and Ranges

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

Benefits

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 including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

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 or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. 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.