"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.

Qualifications

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 as one document. 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 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: One Year from Date of Hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate: (specific range not provided)
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Work Format Details: This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.

Benefits include generous paid time off, medical insurance, retirement plans, and more. Harvard is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.