Research Assistant II

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Job Summary:

The Research Assistant II will contribute to a new phase of the project funded by Global Cities, Inc. The Open Canopy  involves the ongoing development of an international online learning community, as well as the pursuit of related research. The RA II will provide administrative, organizational, and intellectual support to the project.

Specific administrative tasks include, but are not limited to: managing the social media accounts of the project; spearheading outreach to new educators; helping to organize project files; helping to document student work; participating in bi-weekly meetings. Organizational support may include helping develop project materials related to dissemination (e.g., conference presentations, workshops, social media, etc) and publications (e.g. editing).

In addition, the RAII will contribute to intellectual work on the project. The RAII will contribute to the development of new curriculum materials and other support materials. The RAII will also conduct literature reviews and participate in qualitative data analysis, including coding. The RAII may also be involved in conducting informal interviews via Zoom with educator participants.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• General administrative and organizational support (e.g., attending meetings, preparing materials, tracking project participation, etc.)
  Day-to-day platform management assistance (reviewing student work, maintaining contact with participating educators)
• Data management and support with analysis (data organization, editing memos, participating in coding and other analysis) 
• Contributions to the development of project ideas and materials, including literature reviews, instructional resources, publications, presentations, etc. 
• Social media and external outreach (managing social media, doing project outreach)

Basic Qualifications:

Some post high school training, preferably in education or a related field. One to two years of related work experience in K12 intercultural dialogue and exchange (relevant coursework or internships may count towards experience). Strong attention to detail required. Good communication skills, particularly in the realm of social media. Excellent writing and analytic skills. Some video editing experience is preferred.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor's degree preferred, preferably in education or a related field. The candidate should be comfortable communicating and collaborating with a variety of audiences and participants across different cultural contexts. They should be as comfortable working independently as being a collaborative member of the research team. Having a tolerance for ambiguity, thriving in the unknown, being comfortable with the iterative process, and a sense of humor are all welcome traits. We would favor a candidate who has experience with large scale online educational platforms.

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule:  20 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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 053. 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.