Research Assistant to the Belfer Center Director

16-May-2024

Research Assistant to the Belfer Center Director

Harvard Kennedy School

65767BR

Job Summary

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs seeks two research assistants to support Meghan O’Sullivan, Director of the Belfer Center and Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice at the Harvard Kennedy School. The research assistants will work closely with the Belfer Center’s leadership team to conduct in-depth research and perform other duties for Professor O’Sullivan’s work and Belfer Center initiatives. Work may focus on issues including technology and geopolitics, the energy transition, the Middle East, transatlantic relations, U.S.-China relations, and other topics in U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.

Candidates will be considered for roles focusing on the following areas:

• emerging technologies (including but not limited to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing) and related questions of international competition, cooperation, and governance;
• technologies and policies related to the energy transition (including but not limited to clean energy technologies, related critical minerals and supply chains, the geopolitics of the energy transition, and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector);
• overall topics in international affairs, such as the Middle East, transatlantic relations, U.S.-China relations, and other topics in U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.

In your cover letter, please indicate the area(s) for which you wish to be considered.

Position Description

The Research Assistants will work directly with Professor O’Sullivan and the Belfer Center’s leadership team. They will play a key role in:

• Conducting research on specific topics and producing literature reviews, briefings for events and speakers, analytic memos, draft talking points and questions, and other outputs;
• Briefing the director and leadership team on research and upcoming engagements;
• Contributing to the development and execution of high-priority Belfer Center initiatives, such as visits by senior leaders, task forces, research projects, and others;
• Carrying out and supporting operations related to Belfer Center events, fellowships, guests, and other activities;
• Other related job duties, as required.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with at least 1 year of work and/or academic experience directly related to the topics of the role. Relevant coursework and research will count toward experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, current issues in international affairs, research methods and sources, and basic quantitative skills

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Candidates with a Master’s degree in a relevant field are welcome to apply.
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision under tight deadlines. 
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and to assimilate, organize, and summarize large amounts of information.

Additional Information

All applicants must submit the following materials:
(1) Cover letter of 500 words or less
(2) Resume or CV
(3) Official or unofficial transcript
(4) Analytic writing sample, ideally on a topic related to the job areas of focus, of 5 pages or less

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending June 30, 2026, with possibility of renewal.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks. 
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of four days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

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.

Salary Range: $54,445 - $85,043
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

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 (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403113 Research Assistant II Non-Lab

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

053

Department

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

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EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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