Research Assistant I

Posting date: February 13, 2026

External Reference: 002233SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Salary Grade: 052
• Job Function: Research
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Term Appointment: Yes
• Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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 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 Description

Job Summary:

Full-time Research Assistant (RA) wanted for an exciting, large-scale project in the laboratory of Professor Randy Buckner.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The RA's primary responsibilities include: (1) data acquisition using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques (MRI); (2) data entry, data checking, and quality control procedures; and (3) participant recruitment and enrollment through community outreach and advertising.

Other responsibilities include serving as an interface among several collaborating lab groups, maintaining participant databases, scoring and processing data and assisting with administrative tasks.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Background in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field and previous research is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

B.A., B.S. preferred. Candidates should have proficiency with basic computing packages such as MS Word and Excel and will have some familiarity with one or more of the following (Linux, MATLAB, SPM, FSL, fMRI). Strong interpersonal skills, prior research experience, high level of organization with careful attention to detail, being punctual, and comfort with technical skills are required. This position requires a high degree of motivation and self-sufficiency, although extensive training and supervision will be provided.

Additional Information

• 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

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

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to gain experience with human cognitive neuroscience research including working with clinical populations in preparation for a graduate career. This position will be fully onsite in Cambridge, MA and will require some flexibility in work hours to accommodate occasional evening and/or weekend MRI scan slots. When applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter in our preferred format as one, combined document (resume followed by cover letter). Please also include a list of professional references with your resume.

All formal offers are made by FAS HR.

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 052. 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.