Research and Data Specialist

Harvarduniversity; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research and Data Specialist at Harvard Kennedy School supports teaching and learning by providing targeted research and data consultations for faculty, students, and fellows, and by administering student access to technology in courses.

Working with RLS colleagues, the role develops training, manages licenses for tools like ChatGPT Edu and Claude, and helps design data literacy curricula while building strong relationships across the HKS community.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and minimum 2 years of professional experience in research data services or related role.
• Proficiency in R, Stata, or Python for policy or social science research.
• Experience supporting research in teaching and learning environments.
• Familiarity with data management planning and reproducibility standards.
• Experience designing and delivering instruction or training.

Responsibilities

• Delivers individualized, in-depth research and data consultations to faculty, students, and fellows.
• Assists students and researchers in identifying datasets and data sources, devising research strategies, and using citation tools effectively.
• Designs, develops, and delivers training and workshops to develop research and data skills; creates instructional materials and curricula.
• Administers student licenses for tools used in courses (e.g. ChatGPT Edu and Claude).
• Manages user access to Harvard licensed data, software and other research resources.
• Supports data management processes related to course work, including reviewing data management plans for capstone projects.

Skills

R

Stata

Python

Citation management

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in library and information science, social science, or a related field

Tools

ChatGPT Edu

Claude

Data management tools

Job description

Reporting to the Director of Research Computing and Data Services within Research and Library Services (RLS), and in support of the mission of the Harvard Kennedy School, the Research and Data Specialist bridges traditional reference services with specialized consultation, training, and facilitation in research and data for faculty, students, and fellows. This individual contributor role supports teaching and learning by administering student access to technology in courses, and working with faculty, administrative staff, and students to understand needs and champion solutions.

The Specialist works closely with the members of the Research Computing and Data Services and the Library Services groups to ensure alignment and integrated provision of solutions. The role works closely with the Director of Research Computing and Data Services to scope and address emerging needs of the HKS community.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Delivers individualized, in-depth research and data consultations to faculty, students, and fellows, with a focus on reference research, research design, research methods and data analysis and assists students and researchers in identifying appropriate datasets and data sources, devising research strategies, and using citation and analytical tools effectively.

In collaboration with RLS staff designs, develops, and delivers training and workshops to develop and enhance research and data skills; develops and continually improves instructional materials, curricula, and online training resources guided by best practices and needs of the community.

Administers student licenses for tools used in courses at HKS (e.g. ChatGPT Edu and Claude)

Manage user access to HKS and/or Harvard licensed data, software and other research, teaching, and learning resources.

Supports data management processes related to course work, including reviewing data management plans for capstone projects and providing consultations in data management to students.

Partners with the RLS Library Services group to embed research and data literacy into course-integrated instruction and orientations; embeds as a course consultant as requested by faculty.

In collaboration with RLS staff, builds strong working relationships with faculty, research centers, students, and research-affiliated staff to understand data needs across the HKS community and works with the Director of Research Computing and Data Services and the Director of Library Services to proactively develop services and programming that address those needs.

Fosters a spirit of teamwork and unity among the department that allows for disagreement over ideas and the appreciation of diversity as well as cohesiveness, support, and working effectively together to enable each employee and the department to succeed in our efforts to support the HKS community and mission.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master's degree in library and information science, social science, or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in research data services, research consulting, or a closely related role in a research, teaching and learning organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Proficiency in a programming language (such as R, Stata, Python) used in public policy, social science, or government and public administration research.
• Knowledge of datasets and information resources relevant to public policy, social science, or government and public administration research.
• Experience supporting research in a library with a focus on teaching, learning, and research, policy research institution, or similar environment.
• Familiarity with data management planning, open data practices, and reproducibility standards.
• Experience working with a diverse patron or client group.
• Demonstrated proficiency in working with data and research software and tools.
• Proficiency in citation management and related tools
• Experience designing and delivering instruction or training, both individually and in group settings.
• Passionate about research, data, and delivering substantive and responsive resources and services to your community.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.

Appointment End Date:

This position is a fully benefits eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

Visa Sponsorship Information:

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Identity, Education

Other Information:

This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA and required to work on campus a minimum of 3 days/week

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 departme