Research Analyst II

Job Summary:

The Research Analyst II (RA II) will be part of a growing team at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University. We are seeking an independent, detail-oriented, and organized Research Analyst II to support the research work of the Center who is motivated by CEPR’s mission of improving education outcomes with evidence. 

The Center for Education Policy Research 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 facts and findings, rather than untested assumptions. By generating relevant and accessible research, developing technical and organizational capacity to use evidence, and creating a community of schools and systems dedicated to using evidence for progress, CEPR helps researchers and practitioners uncover and share the best of what works—and what doesn’t—in education. Learn more at cepr.harvard.edu.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Research Analyst II (RA II) will prepare data for analysis and implement statistical analyses with minimal supervision, working with faculty and senior researchers across multiple projects. 

Specific responsibilities may include: 

• Assembling and preparing large data sets for analysis; 
• Providing guidance to Research Analyst Is on data cleaning and data structure; 
• Assuring the quality of data cleaning and processing; 
• Conducting independent statistical analyses in Stata or R; 
• Developing software code suitable for reuse by others; 
• Automating analytic processes; 
• Developing and delivering presentations on results for internal and external audiences; and 
• Drafting sections of reports and papers for publication 

Finally, the RA II is 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 economics, public policy, statistics, education policy, computer science, social science, or a related field. 
• Minimum 3 years of related experience that includes complex Stata and/or R programming and independent econometric analysis, up to one year of which may be related coursework or experience gained as a student 
• Stata programming skills required 
• Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter. Any applicant wishing to be considered for this position must indicate that they meet all the basic requirements in either the cover letter or resume. 
• All candidates invited to a second interview will be asked to submit a Stata programming sample, unofficial university transcripts, and complete an analytic exercise (using Stata or R). Finalists will be invited to interviews with different team members.

This position is a term appointment for one year from the date of hire, with a strong possibility of continuation. 

The position is currently a hybrid position with 3 days in the Cambridge office and 2 days remote. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in one of the fields above preferred; 
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods and quantitative research design; 
• Experience with randomized control trials, difference-in-differences, 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; and 
• Stan or Python programming a plus 

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 1 year from date of hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate: $75,000
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 056. 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.