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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Cultural Dynamics Lab at Harvard University, directed by Joshua Conrad Jackson, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant with computational and data analysis skills for an series of projects aimed at studying the cultural evolution of social categories. Projects will involve analyzing natural language datasets, designing agent-based models, and running experiments. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant's primary responsibilities will include: (1) Collecting, processing, and analyzing large-scale social media or other natural language datasets; (b) writing and editing agent-based models; (c) designing experiments; (d) writing papers under the menorship of the PI; (e) presenting research at conferences; and (f) assisting with maintaining shared lab resources, such as IRB protocols.

This is an excellent and unique opportunity for a motivated individual to gain experience with computational social science research.

The candidate's contribution would likely lead to authorship on papers published from these projects.

Basic Qualifications (required):

1-2 years research experience in psychology, social/political science, communications, economics, computer science, data science, statistics, or related field

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):

• BA/BS in psychology, social/political science, communications, economics, computer science, data science, statistics, or related field.
• Excellent data analysis and coding abilities, including skills in statistical analysis (e.g., R), computational methods (e.g., NLP methods), programming (e.g., Python), online research tools (e.g., Qualtrics)
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of organization with careful attention to detail
• This position requires a high degree of motivation, although extensive training and supervision will be provided.

• 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
• Other Information:

  All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

  This is a one-year term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. 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.

About Harvard University

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.

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