Job 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 Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Job Description

The Research Associate supports Samantha Power, Harvard Kennedy School’s Anna Lindh Professor of the Practice of Global Leadership and Harvard Law School’s William Zabel Professor of Human Rights Policy, by conducting in-depth research on international democracy, development, and governance issues and supervising the collaborative activities of a small research team. Candidates must demonstrate significant knowledge of, and interest in, current global democracy, development, and governance issues and excellent research, writing, editing, and communication skills. The Ash Center is a global and values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are paramount to better understanding and addressing real-world problems. In fostering an environment of rigor, curiosity, and integrity, we value and respect different opinions, lived experiences, and diverse research and policy areas and approaches. We actively seek candidates who share our commitment and values. 

The Research Associate plays a leading role in developing research products, including policy memos, articles, and book projects, as well as assisting in the design of new graduate courses. The Associate will work with Professor Power and with Harvard students to devise public policy solutions. 

Job Specific Responsibilities:

Research and Writing  

• Work closely with faculty to research, draft, and edit policy memos, articles, and book projects 

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, including interviews with public leaders and policy experts 

• Curate and translate academic research into materials accessible to a broader audience 

Outreach and Teaching  

• Ensure broad impact and reach, including support for speech writing, op-eds, and social media 

• Assist in the design and organization of convenings and graduate courses

• Coordinate with Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Law School colleagues on dissemination 

Project Management  

• Recruit, onboard, and supervise students and other contributors 

• Set and monitor timelines; ensure coordination and communication across the team 

• Perform programming, administrative, and other tasks as needed 

Qualifications

Basic

Qualifications

Graduate degree in public administration, public policy, political science, or a closely related field with two years of related work experience that includes performing research

Additional

Qualifications

If you have some but not all the following, we encourage you to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn 

• Significant knowledge of, and interest in, current global democracy, development, and governance issues 

• Excellent research, writing, editing, and communication skills 

• Proficiency in statistical and quantitative methods is a plus 

• Prior experience in an academic or think-tank setting or with an NGO or government is a plus, as is prior experience in a managerial role. 

• Mature self-starter with sound judgment, have the capacity to work with a wide range of individuals, and ability to manage a variety of tasks/research projects simultaneously 

• Comfort reaching out to interview individuals with real-time knowledge of current issues.

• Experience in seeking to maximize the public reach (through articles, speeches, convenings, social media, etc.) of research findings, and ambitious ideas for dissemination.

• Familiarity and comfort with translating academic research and/or technical subjects into materials accessible to a broader audience.

Additional Information

• 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, Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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. 

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