HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education. The Research Analyst will be part of a growing team at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University. CEPR seeks to transform education through quality research and evidence. CEPR and its partners believe all students will learn and thrive when education leaders make decisions using evidence, rather than hunches and untested assumptions.
In pursuit of this end, CEPR conducts cutting-edge quantitative research on critical topics for the field and develops new and faster models of education research that can better support education leaders. Research Analysts are a critical part of the CEPR team, helping education leaders around the country to learn what?s working and what?s not in education.
We are seeking independent, detail-oriented, and organized Research Analyst IIs to support the research work of the Center who are motivated by CEPR?s mission of improving education outcomes with evidence.
Position Description
Research Analyst II will work across multiple projects with faculty at Harvard and other institutions and senior researchers at CEPR. RAIIs are expected to lead substantial portions of analytic and research projects with minimal supervision. Specific responsibilities may include assembling and preparing large data sets for analysis, conducting independent statistical analyses in Stata or R, developing software code and toolkits suitable for reuse by others and automation of work, developing and delivering presentations on results for internal and external audiences, drafting reports and papers for publication, contributing to the development of new projects and proposals, and participating in regular team meetings. Research Analyst IIs will also mentor more junior staff in programming and methodology. Finally, RA IIs are expected to build strong relationships with external partners in education agencies and provide problem-solving, technical, and research support to agency staff. Other duties as required.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor?s degree in public policy, economics, statistics, computer science, education policy, social science, or a related field. At least two years of related professional work experience that includes substantial independent work with STATA and/or R programming and data analysis.
Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and a sample of Stata or R programming code that they have written (please attach resume, cover letter, and programming code as one document).
Any applicant wishing to be considered for this position must indicate that they meet all of the basic requirements in either the cover letter or resume.
All candidates invited to the interview will be asked to complete an analytic exercise for their phone interview.
This position is a term appointment for one year from the date of hire, with a strong possibility of continuation.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Master?s degree in one of the fields listed above preferred.
Strong knowledge of statistical methods and quantitative research design. Experience with Randomized Control Trials, Difference-in-Difference, Regression Discontinuity, or Propensity Score Matching designs a plus.
Experience working with data of varying quality and from varied source systems.
Demonstrated data preparation and cleaning skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to communicate technical topics to non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to work under pressure, accurately assess problems, and develop solutions.
K-12 sector or university research experience.
Stan, or Python programming a plus.
Working Conditions
HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state?s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship
Additional Information
HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:
Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment
About the Harvard Graduate School of Education
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.