Research Associate
Harvard University
- Boston, MA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Advanced degree, or bachelor's degree, with 5+ years of relevant work experience required
- Strong knowledge of machine learning techniques and statistical methods for data analysis and inference.
- Proficiency in R (preferred) or Python.
- Expertise in data visualization tools and techniques.
- Experience working with large datasets and data manipulation.
- Experience managing others and successfully working as part of a team.
A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. All candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, transcript, and a code sample.Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore HBS work culture at https://www.hbs.edu/employment/.DepartmentDivision of Research and Faculty DevelopmentPre-Employment ScreeningEducation, IdentityJob FunctionResearchPosition DescriptionThe Crafting Your Life (LIFE) project, led by Professor Leslie Perlow, is seeking a Research Associate - (Senior Data Scientist and Project Manager).The mission of the LIFE project is to use technology to create new ways to collect data to simultaneously enable the study of what it means to live a well lived, while also providing users valuable insights that make a difference in how they live their own lives.Professor Perlow and the LIFE project are seeking an experienced data scientist to help them make the most of this exciting opportunity. The project: 1) has resources to design and build its own data collection tools, 2) has access to ongoing - and potentially longitudinal - quantitative data on tens of thousands of users, and 3) consists of an interdisciplinary group of researchers and practitioners interested in exploring these topics. In particular, Professor Perlow and the LIFE project are seeking a data scientist with expertise in quantitative data analysis and data analytics to help lead the data collection and analysis. They seek a candidate who has completed their master's in data science (or a related field) to partake in the design and management of multiple quantitative data collection efforts. The successful candidate will be eager to creatively design data collection efforts, analyze resulting data, and manage the team. The data analysis will involve data from existing tools that have already been developed for this special project (e.g. LIFE Simulation, LIFE Connect, Developmental Relationship Mapping), but most importantly center around the flagship tool in development - the LIFE Matrix. This new tool, with an MVP planned to release in September 2024, explores how users spend their time and the value those time allocations bring to them as well as provides users insights and recommendations based on comparing them with others like themselves.
The ideal candidate will act as a collaborator, thought partner, and leader for the project. They will be involved in doing sophisticated data analysis and data visualization. They will provide advanced subject-area expertise, analysis, and interpretation. They will also play a central role in overseeing the project's work with faculty, executive fellows, doctoral students, and research associates, and helping to manage the project's day-to-day activities.School/UnitHarvard Business SchoolCommitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.BenefitsWe invite you to visit 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.