Research Assistant III

Description:
Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) seeks applications for a research assistant to conduct quantitative research on issues related to rental housing, affordability, 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. As a member of the JCHS research team, the research assistant will contribute to the Joint Center’s research products, communications, events, and other activities. The Center is a mission-driven organization that promotes a culture of collaboration, creativity, respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Specific Duties:

• Carries out quantitative research on topics related to housing markets, household demographics and finances, housing affordability, housing policy, homeownership and rental housing, and other research areas as needed.
• Summarizes and compiles data through the statistical analysis of large-scale databases including the American Community Survey, American Housing Survey, Decennial Census, Current Population Survey, and Survey of Consumer Finances.
• Conducts statistical analysis, database management, and policy analysis; participates in design of research methods and approaches; serves as source of information or reference on specific research methods and may train others in econometric analysis procedures.
• Organizes material for reports, research briefs, working papers, and blogs. Drafts publications in collaboration with senior staff. Designs and delivers research presentations 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 the Center progress towards Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging goals.

Candidates must have an interest in topics related to housing, as well as experience using statistical software packages such as R or Stata. Experience working with Census PUMS data is a plus, as is experience with GIS mapping tools.

Preference will be given to those with a Master’s Degree in economics, public policy, urban planning, or a related field (1 - 2 years research experience is a plus). Strong analytical, oral and written communication skills. Candidate must have employment eligibility to work in the United States.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via Harvard’s recruitment management system. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

General Administration, Research

USA - MA - Cambridge

403117 Research Assistant III Non-Lab

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Joint Center for Housing Studies

-

Full-time

054

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Identity

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.