Research Assistant I – Non-Lab

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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 Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science:

The Harvard-MIT Center for Regulatory Science advances research and education in regulatory science. The Center serves the broad community of biomedical research scientists and physicians in academia, industry, and regulatory agencies who seek to improve the development and evaluation of medical products. HMCRS members study the medical and economic impact of industry activities and regulatory policies, seeking more effective ways to develop and use innovative medical products. The Center collaborates with the US Food and Drug Administration on a fellowship program designed to prepare PhD and MD PhD trainees for academic, industry, and government positions at the intersection between science and regulatory policy. HMCRS hosts regular events that convene diverse stakeholders in regulatory science through annual symposia, topic-focused workshops, and working groups.

The Harvard–MIT Center for Regulatory Science—a partnership established by Harvard, MIT, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—is seeking a recent college graduate for a full-time Research Assistant I (Non-Lab) position in regulatory science. Under the direction of the Center’s investigators, the Research Assistant performs a variety of non-laboratory research and clerical tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the Research Assistant supports research initiatives that advance regulatory science and biomedical innovation, contributing to projects that inform the development, evaluation, and oversight of diagnostics, therapeutics, biologics, and emerging medical technologies. The individual in this role collaborates closely with investigators and partners across academia, industry, and government, and gains hands-on experience at the intersection of biomedical research, medicine, public health, and regulatory policy. Tasks will be performed under the supervision of the CRS Director.

Responsibilities include:

• Extracts and curates data from FDA regulatory documents and related sources, following established protocols and acquiring information through structured review, database queries, library research, and other research methods.
• Records and codes data according to project requirements and established protocols, maintaining well-documented and reproducible datasets.
• Conducts statistical analyses and processes, organizes, and summarizes data using a variety of scientific, spreadsheet, and statistical software applications.
• As part of a team or with direction, may assist in the design of studies, experiments, and analyses. 
• Makes periodic reports of project status to the supervisor and other research team personnel.
• Performs clerical duties incidental to research tasks and may assist with planning research meetings and other types of events.

Working Conditions:

• Candidate will work in a computational lab environment with other researchers collaborating on data analysis and publication.

Physical Requirements:

• Candidate will work on a laptop or other computer in a computational lab environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline—such as the biomedical sciences, public health, data science, or a comparable field—is preferred.
• Prior undergraduate research experience is preferred
• Familiarity with statistical software or programming languages such as R or Python is preferred. Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical techniques is preferred but not required. Exposure to applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, may be required. Appropriate written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Candidates with interests in biomedical research, public health, translational medicine, data science, health policy, pharmaceutical development, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Appointment End Date: This is a term position from the date of hire with an end date of August 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. 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
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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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.