Research Associate, Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

002458SR
School/Unit Harvard Kennedy School
Department Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University
Job Function General Administration
Location Cambridge
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 056
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Term Appointment Yes

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

About the Bloomberg Center for Cities

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University serves a global community committed to improving public management, leadership, and governance. The Center’s cross-Harvard collaboration unites expertise focused on cities across disciplines and schools to produce research, train leaders, and develop resources for global use. The Center is designed to have practical impact on the future of cities, where more than half of the world’s people now live, by informing and inspiring local government leaders, scholars, students, and others who work to improve the lives of residents around the world.

Professor Matthew Lee is seeking a full-time Research Associate, with a preference for a two-year appointment. This role is a particularly good fit for candidates considering a PhD or other research career path in the management of organizations, whether in a school of public policy, business school, or disciplinary department (i.e., sociology, economics). Prior Research Associates in this position have successfully moved on to leading PhD programs.

In this role, you will work closely with Professor Lee and his collaborators at the Harvard Kennedy School. Professor Lee is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Management at HKS, where he is a faculty affiliate of the Center for Public Leadership and Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.

Professor Lee’s research examines the strategies of social-mission driven organizations and their impact on society. He is particularly focused on organizations that pursue their missions within the context of business models, such as social enterprises, as well as multi-organization ecosystems of organizations across sectors that coordinate their activities toward shared social societal and environmental goals.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

In this role, you will primarily be responsible for the following tasks:

• Data collection and analysis: Collection and organization of quantitative data, cleaning and merging of datasets, design and production of tables and figures, and literature reviews.
• Writing and editing: Preparation of academic journal articles, articles for practitioners, teaching cases and presentations. Tasks may include participation in interviews, archival research, drafting and editing.
• Research coordination: Collaborate with multiple stakeholders including faculty, experts, and practitioners at Harvard and beyond. Tasks may include note-taking, project planning and management.

You will receive functional direction from Professor Lee and his collaborators at Harvard and at other academic institutions. As part of this role, you will join the vibrant research community and conversation at Harvard, including access to a wide range of events and research seminars at HKS and beyond.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Interest and intellectual curiosity related to mission-driven organizations
• Professional skills, including timely and clear communication, ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, and to develop and execute plans for complex and sometimes non-linear work
• Analytical interest and competence, including experience with quantitative statistical packages in STATA, R and Python. Experience and interest with AI tools for research and statistical analysis is a plus.
• Experience in and/or passion for learning the craft of academic research, such as social science writing and presentation.
• Initiative and motivation to deliver excellent work
• Communication skills in written and spoken English

We encourage candidates of all identities and backgrounds to apply and are committed to equitable hiring practices.

• Important Application Instructions: In order to be considered complete, applications must include a cover letter of 300 words or less. You may also submit a writing sample that demonstrates your research proficiency and experience. This is not required, but can strengthen your application.

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal, with a flexible start date in mid-2026.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position in based on campus in Cambridge, MA, with some flexible/remote work options available.

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 056. 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.