The Research Assistant will be working directly with Professor Martin Surbeck and his research group to create a long-term relational database for his research involving wild bonobos living in the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This position will be an individual contributor within the Surbeck lab.

• Create and curate long-term project database for the Kokolopori Bonobo Research Project. This includes creating tables with a relational structure, uploading existing and new research data received from research site, and use R software for calculations of basic metrics of behavior.
• Assist students and researchers in extracting research data from database by writing R scripts that will facilitate quick data retrieval. Assist graduate students and undergraduates and other researchers in accessing long-term data from the project databases. This includes teaching new students how to use the databases.
• Assist researchers with data analysis and write-up of publications using the long-term data from either project. This includes ongoing research projects on cooperation and aggression.
• Help coding video data

1-3 years of experience working with relational databases. Experience working with behavioral data (e.g., collection).

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, though experience can be substituted for degree.
• Enthusiasm for primates.
• excellent organizational skills
• experience working internationally
• Independence
• strong interpersonal skills
• Flexibility in working hours and in travel times

This role may require infrequent travel to the Kokolopori fieldsite located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This is a one-year term position.
We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

• 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.