Research Assistant IV Non-Lab

Posting date: May 05, 2026

Reference: 002730SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Boston
• School/Unit: Harvard Medical School
• Department: Global Health and Social Medicine
• Salary Grade: 055
• Job Function: Research
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Term Appointment: Yes
• Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
• Work Format: Hybrid

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 Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

About the Department:

The Department of Global Health and Social Medicine applies social science and humanities research to constantly improve the practice of medicine, the delivery of treatment, and the development of health care policies locally and worldwide. Major efforts include developing the science of global health delivery implementation; advancing equity in health care delivery; and educating students and researchers on biosocial determinants of disease, health care delivery, and responsible practice of medicine. The Department is the central structure to help organize global health activities, especially medical education experiences, at Harvard Medical School.

Job Description

The Research Assistant performs and coordinates a wide range of research activities for various research projects in the Mental Health for All Lab, with focus on projects related to peer support. The preferred candidate has a background in peer support and lived experience of a mental health challenge. The individual will also support grant applications, funding proposals, and relevant project budgets. This individual will work as part of a team in compiling and analyzing results, preparing scientific manuscripts and presentations, although tasks are frequently performed independently and unsupervised in an off-site location. The individual will report directly to the Lab Director. This position will consist of:

Research

• Coordinate and conduct designated research tasks for the EMPOWER Peer Support Initiative. This includes leading the data collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of two pilot studies.
• Select and design study measures and methods.
• Support submission of study protocols and study tools to the IRB for ethical review, and submit regular progress reports to the IRB.
• Contribute to the writing and development of research protocols, study interventions, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analyses, evaluation assessments, preparation of research project outputs such a status of projects to the supervisor, as well as regularly provide suggestions for modifications to current procedures.
• Regularly oversee the activities of collaborating research personnel and student research assistants assisting in research activities.
• Work closely with Lab Faculty to write and develop grant and contract applications including communications with the sponsors and yearly budget proposals.
• Establish and meet deadlines in alignment with the project funder’s timeline.
• Proactively conduct outreach to potential partners and collaborators.
• Protect the confidentiality of project communications and materials with a high degree of professionalism and discretion.

Communication

• Serve as the liaison between the lived experience advisory board and the research team.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration with affiliated research personnel at other locations or institutions including supporting the initiation of contracts and consultancy agreements.
• Lead the development of progress reports, content and announcements summarizing project activities for the funders, partners, the website and external audiences.
• Represent the project team at conferences and other related events to disseminate study findings.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College degree in a related field of research study.
• 3 or more years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master of Public Health (or similar) degree preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required Research Proven skills contributing to the development of digital content and working with complex digital platforms such as learning management systems, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• The ideal candidate must be well organized with keen attention to detail, able to prioritize, use discretion with sensitive or confidential information, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Strong written communication skills, as evidenced by prior academic publications and/or presentations.
• Competency in a variety of applications such as Articulate, Adobe Pro, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Canva, REDCap, Qualtrics, Cornerstone On Demand, Zoom, Google Drive, One Drive, Stata, and the confidence to adapt/learn if not familiar with an application.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt and remain flexible in a changing environment.
• Lived experience of a mental health challenge preferred.
• Experience working as a peer support worker preferred.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a 1-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. 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.