Research Assistant at Harvard University

Q: What qualifications are required for the Research Assistant role at Harvard Kennedy School?

Candidates need a college background in economics and statistics plus strong programming skills in Stata, R, or Python. Outstanding achievement in quantitative coursework is preferred, along with excellent writing and organizational abilities. Prior research experience is a plus. See research assistant jobs for similar roles.

Q: What are the main responsibilities of this Harvard Research Assistant position?

The role involves analyzing and managing datasets , conducting statistical analyses, reviewing literature, preparing manuscripts, and supporting teaching materials. Work focuses on topics like early education, homelessness, and government innovation with Professor Liebman.

Q: Is this Research Assistant role at Harvard full-time and in-person?

Yes, this is a full-time in-person position requiring work on campus 5 days a week at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge. Limited remote days (1-2 per week) may be possible in some weeks.

Q: What research areas will the Research Assistant focus on?

Projects cover social policy, economic policy, and government performance , including early education, alternative 911 response, homelessness, social security, health care, and budget policy. Ideal for those pursuing careers in economics or public policy.

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Research Assistant

August 7, 2026

Location

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University

Type

Full-time (In-person)

Required Qualifications

College background in economics and statistics

Strong programming in Stata, R, Python

Quantitative analysis skills

Research and writing experience

Research Areas

Social policy

Economic policy

Government performance

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Research Assistant

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous.

Job Description

The mission of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government at the Harvard Kennedy School is to support current and future public sector leaders in improving the governance of states, counties, and cities.

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant will work directly with Professor Liebman on a variety of projects related to social policy, economic policy, and government performance. Specific topics may include early education, alternative 911 response, homelessness, social security reform, health care, budget policy, and government innovation.

The ideal candidate will have strong programming and quantitative skills, and a long-term interest in pursuing research in economics or public policy.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Analyze, manage, clean, and create datasets
Conduct statistical analyses using languages such as Stata, R, and Python
Review literature and summarize findings
Maintain documentation of datasets and analyses
Help prepare manuscripts for publication and slides for conference presentations
Help prepare teaching materials

Working Conditions:

This is an in-person position, and the Research Assistant needs to be available to work on campus 5 days a week. Some weeks, 1-2 days of remote work may be possible.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

College background in economics and statistics
Strong programming skills evidenced by experience with statistical and programming languages such as Stata, R and/or Python

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Outstanding achievement in coursework involving advanced quantitative analysis and economic concepts
Ability to learn new statistical programming languages quickly
Experience with statistical and programming languages such as STATA, R, and/or Python
Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills
Ability to work independently, including on multiple projects at the same time
Prior research experience from undergraduate thesis research, previous positions, internships, or practicums and/or college coursework is a plus
Understanding of causal inference methods – randomized controlled trials, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, and related approaches is a plus

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Research Assistant role at Harvard Kennedy School?

Candidates need a college background in economics and statistics plus strong programming skills in Stata, R, or Python. Outstanding achievement in quantitative coursework is preferred, along with excellent writing and organizational abilities. Prior research experience is a plus. See research assistant jobs for similar roles.

📋What are the main responsibilities of this Harvard Research Assistant position?

The role involves analyzing and managing datasets, conducting statistical analyses, reviewing literature, preparing manuscripts, and supporting teaching materials. Work focuses on topics like early education, homelessness, and government innovation with Professor Liebman.

📍Is this Research Assistant role at Harvard full-time and in-person?

Yes, this is a full-time in-person position requiring work on campus 5 days a week at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge. Limited remote days (1-2 per week) may be possible in some weeks.

🔬What research areas will the Research Assistant focus on?

Projects cover social policy, economic policy, and government performance, including early education, alternative 911 response, homelessness, social security, health care, and budget policy. Ideal for those pursuing careers in economics or public policy.

📝How do I apply for Research Assistant jobs at Harvard University?

Applications are submitted via the official Harvard job portal before the August 7, 2026 deadline. Highlight quantitative skills, programming experience, and research background. Explore more research assistant jobs and higher ed jobs.