Research Assistant III, Remodeling Futures Program

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of the Remodeling Futures Program, the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) seeks applications for a Research Assistant to join the Remodeling Futures Program and conduct research on issues related to housing and home improvement markets and policy.

Since its founding in 1959, JCHS has been a leader in advancing public understanding of housing issues and policy. Through its research, education, and public outreach programs, JCHS helps leaders in government, business, and the civic sectors make decisions that effectively address the needs of cities and communities. The Remodeling Futures Program specifically addresses issues related to existing housing renovation and preservation, as well as the policy and industry context for this work, in service of advancing knowledge and strategies to ensure a healthy, equitable, and affordable supply of housing for all households.

As a member of the Remodeling Futures Program team, the Research Assistant will conduct quantitative and qualitative research on topics within the Program’s research agenda and contribute to publications, presentations, and activities under the Program’s purview. The Research Assistant will also participate in and support the Joint Center’s research and staff activities, including (but not limited to) research skill development, communications and external publications, internal events and meetings, and other tasks as needed. The Center is a mission-driven organization that promotes a culture of collaboration, creativity, respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Carries out quantitative and qualitative research on topics related to home improvement and repair markets, housing preservation and adaptation, disaster recovery and climate resilience in the housing stock, household demographics and finances, housing affordability, housing policy, and other research areas as needed.
• Summarizes and compiles data through the statistical analysis of large-scale databases including (but not limited to) the American Housing Survey, Decennial Census, Current Population Survey, Survey of Consumer Finance, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, Residential Energy Consumption Survey, Rental Housing Finance Survey, and American Community Survey.
• Participates in design of research methods and approaches; Organizes material for reports, research briefs, and working papers, including through literature reviews, quantitative analyses, background research and other tasks as needed.
• Translates analytical findings into publications and presentations for a broad audience of academic, industry and/or policy experts with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Drafts publications both independently and in collaboration with senior staff. Designs and delivers research presentations to internal and external audiences, including at biannual Remodeling Futures project meetings, and elsewhere as required.
• Works as a member of a team, contributing to all aspects of project development and execution. Submits periodic reports of project status to supervisor. Performs other project duties as required.
• Helps contribute positively to the Center’s efforts to be an inclusive and equitable environment.