Quantitative Social Science Researcher

Job Summary

The Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) is a university-wide institute whose mission is to solve society’s greatest challenges through the creation, preservation, and dissemination of social science knowledge. We build infrastructure and community so social scientists can work at unprecedented speed, scale, and levels of collaboration. The IQSS approach includes: providing an environment (physical space, events, services) that encourages scholars to convene and collaborate; developing powerful (and broadly useful) statistical, computational, and analytical infrastructure and tools; building bridges between the many different scientific communities concerned with real world problems; removing impediments to discovery by providing exceptional administrative services; and supporting and showcasing innovative ideas through the creation and incubation of scientific programs.

Auto req ID

62450BR

Job Code

RS0057 Researcher III Humanities

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Quantitative Social Science Researcher

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Salary Grade

057

Time Status

Full-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the quantitative sciences such as: Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science (or other Quantitative Social Sciences) or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience (a combination of work experience and education may be considered to fulfill this requirement)

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Familiarity (hands-on knowledge) with data manipulation tools and languages such as R, STATA, SQL, Python, or MATLAB strongly preferred
• Familiarity with a variety of research methodologies such as lab experience, causal inference, or experimental design ideal
• Hands-on experience conducting data collection, cleaning, and analysis and research coordination preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of statistical modeling, econometrics, software development, and/or machine learning
• Familiarity with modern web development practices (JavaScript, HTML/CSS, APIs, Git, NoSQL) preferred
• Ability to handle multiple projects and competing demands and to navigate emerging and shifting requirements
• Results-orientation with demonstrated curiosity, love of learning, flexibility, comfort with ambiguity, and a bias for action
• Strong team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills

Additional Information

This is a two-year term appointment from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension based on business need, funding, and performance.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Compensation and Benefits
Harvard offers competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package that includes generous healthcare options and paid time off. Working at Harvard you also gain access to advantages and perks that are unique to an academic institution. If you’re interested in earning a degree, adding to your skill set, or just exploring a new topic of study, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) allows you to enroll in undergraduate and graduate level courses at Harvard Extension School for as little as $40—or take advantage of generous subsidies for courses at other schools, if eligible. Harvard is home to a community of enthusiastic, motivated individuals who believe in what they do.

IQSS sits in the Division of Social Science, which is strongly committed to creating and supporting a diverse workforce. Respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard’s mission .

Department

Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS)

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Job Function

Research

Position Description

The IQSS Quantitative Social Science Researcher provides cross-functional support on a wide array of IQSS projects as directed by various faculty/program leads, including IQSS Faculty Director, Professor Gary King. Based at IQSS, the position will work closely with relevant programmatic and technical leaders on a variety of research and technical projects and leverage IQSS research and computing and data science resources. Duties/current projects include:

• Using analyses and measures to inform the design of research questions for grant competitions
• Contributing to scholarly publications and research projects, performing data analysis when necessary
• Interacting with external teams on identifying applicable data, assessing risk and creating common policies and process specific to data access and analysis
• Supporting the logistics of the new program/product launches and software/technology development as needed

Ideally, this position is designed for pre-doctoral candidates to expand their research resume before pursuing doctoral studies, though the skills and experience gained in this position regarding researching, writing, interviewing, analysis, technology development and project management can create a springboard to a wide range of options afterwards. In addition, while this position is not affiliated with any doctoral program, it enables the successful candidate to work closely with faculty members, ​​who are generous teachers and mentors, to help them with their research challenges - from the collection and analysis of data and related technical projects to sourcing and support for academic publications - plus a generous Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) benefit toward pre-requisite courses as part of Harvard’s benefits package.

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

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.

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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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)