Research Assistant

Posting date: January 15, 2026

002066SR

Job Type: Full-time
Location: Cambridge
School/Unit: Harvard Law School
Department: Environmental and Energy Law Program
Salary Grade: 055
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 Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Job Description

Given the importance of reducing corporate emissions to address climate change, we need to better understand how these pledges work and design strategies to ensure they are effective. However, there is a lack of information and analysis about whether corporate net-zero goals result in real emissions reductions. This project, led by a cross-disciplinary team of experts in environmental and administrative law, environmental economics and policy, and sustainable business strategy, supported by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard, aims to analyze the impact of U.S. companies’ commitments and the implications for U.S. policy. The Cluster’s empirical research entails examining how companies with net-zero targets behave compared to companies without to understand how targets influence firm decision-making; analyzing the environmental effectiveness of corporate commitments, including if and how emissions reductions are achieved; and gaps or failures in implementation.

As a Research Assistant you will:

• Conduct quality control for our commitments dataset
• Co-manage with the team’s current research assistant, a team of temporary researchers who will also be conducting quality control tasks
• Process, organize, summarize, and analyze data to prepare for our dataset public release, coordinating with the Net Zero PIs and the Salata communications team
• Communicate and collaborate with team of researchers and faculty PIs with periodic reports of project status to net zero team and recommend additional steps to meet deadlines and quality control objectives
• Oversee the activities of other research temps

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
College degree in a related field of research study and three or more years’ related work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Effective communications skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of research populations and/or techniques
• Knowledge of standard research methods and statistical techniques
• Exposure to applicable technologies, including specific software applications

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a term appointment ending June 30, 2026.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-time, M-F.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education.

Other Information:
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
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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 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.