Research Assistant I

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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.

Imagine if lawyers, judges, and decision makers used rigorous evidence to design and run the U.S. justice system. They could: 

• enable far more people, especially those who can’t afford to hire lawyers, to access civil justice; 
• make the criminal justice system fairer and more efficient; and 
• promote the dignity and respect of individuals and families as they encounter the justice system. 

The Access to Justice Lab creates and shares the rigorous evidence needed to make these transformations happen. 

This position works under the A2J Faculty Director and one or more front-line researchers to implement A2J Lab field operations, and conducts as needed background research on the effort to transform the US legal system into an evidence-based profession.   

As a Research Assistant I you will: 

• Coordinate, administer, organize, facilitate, and support research of the Access to Justice (A2J) Lab, particularly two projects already in the field 
• Maintain contact with study participants, manage survey operations, organize mass mailings, code into spreadsheets data for ongoing projects  
• Under close supervision, facilitate communications and follow up on open items with study sites, field partners, and third-party administrative data holders 
• As part of the study team, troubleshoot operational issues as they arise 
• Update project documentation related to study operations of the A2J Lab and field partners 
• In conjunction with the A2J Lab’s Faculty Director, support work of student research assistants by providing them with appropriate files and explaining the content of those files  
• Construct and adhere to schedules of operations for ongoing projects  
• Research and draft memoranda supporting the A2J Lab’s field operations 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Basic Qualifications

College background or equivalent experience. At least one year related work experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of research populations and/or techniques helpful 
• Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical techniques  
• Prior experience in project management and organization  
• Strong cooperation skills and motivation 
• Strong independent motivation, and a desire to see projects upon which they work succeed 
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with individuals unfamiliar with the court system. 
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite 
• Proficiency in Spanish an asset 

Appointment End Date: This is a two-year term appointment with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and need. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 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, Criminal

Other Information:

While the position is based on site in Cambridge, MA, this role has the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement (some combination of on site and remote), subject to business need and manager review/approval. All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT and WA). *exempt positions only 

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 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 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. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.