Research Analyst II

Job Summary

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education. The Research Analyst II (RA II) will be part of a growing team at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University. CEPR seeks to transform education through quality research and evidence. CEPR and its partners believe all students will learn and thrive when education leaders make decisions using evidence, rather than hunches and untested assumptions.

In pursuit of this end, CEPR both conducts cutting-edge quantitative research on critical topics for the field and develops new and faster models of education research that can better support education leaders. Research Analysts are a critical part of the CEPR team, helping education leaders around the country to learn what's working and what's not in education.

We are seeking an independent, detail-oriented, and organized Research Analyst II to support the research work of the Center who is motivated by CEPR's mission of improving education outcomes with evidence.

Position Description

Research Analyst II (RA II) will prepare data for analysis and implement statistical analyses with minimal supervision, working with faculty and senior researchers across multiple projects.

Specific responsibilities may include:

Assembling and preparing large data sets for analysis, providing guidance to Research Analyst I's on data cleaning and data structure, assuring the quality of data cleaning and processing, conducting independent statistical analyses in Stata or R, developing software code suitable for reuse by others, automating analytic processes, developing and delivering presentations on results for internal and external audiences, and drafting sections of reports and papers for publication.

Finally, the RA II is expected to build strong relationships with external partners in education agencies and provide problem-solving, technical, and research support to agency staff. Other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, statistics, computer science, education policy, social science, or a related field.

Minimum 3 years of related experience that includes complex STATA and/or R programming and independent econometric analysis, up to one year of which may be related coursework or experience gained as a student. Stata programming skills required.

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter.Any applicant wishing to be considered for this position must indicate that they meet all the basic requirements in either the cover letter or resume.

All candidates invited to the initial interview will be asked to submit a Stata programming sample. All candidates invited to a second interview will be asked to complete an analytic exercise (using Stata or R) . Finalists will be invited to interviews with different team members.

This position is a term appointment for one year from the date of hire, with a strong possibility of continuation.

The position is currently a hybrid position with 3-days in the Cambridge office and 2-days remote.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Master's degree in one of the fields listed above preferred.

Strong knowledge of statistical methods and quantitative research design. Experience with Randomized Control Trials, Difference-in-Difference, Regression Discontinuity, or Propensity Score Matching designs a plus.

Experience working with data of varying quality and from varied source systems.

Demonstrated data preparation and cleaning skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to communicate technical topics to non-technical audiences.

Proven ability to work under pressure, accurately assess problems, and develop solutions.

K-12 sector or university research experience.

Stan or Python programming a plus.

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state's required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

Additional Information

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: ;br>
Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.

Benefits

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.