Research Assistant

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Given the importance of reducing corporate emissions to address climate change, we need to better understand how these pledges work and design strategies to ensure they are effective. However, there is a lack of information and analysis about whether corporate net-zero goals result in real emissions reductions. This project, led by a cross-disciplinary team of experts in environmental and administrative law, environmental economics and policy, and sustainable business strategy, supported by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard, aims to analyze the impact of U.S. companies’ commitments and the implications for U.S. policy. The Cluster’s empirical research entails examining how companies with net-zero targets behave compared to companies without to understand how targets influence firm decision-making; analyzing the environmental effectiveness of corporate commitments, including if and how emissions reductions are achieved; and gaps or failures in implementation.

As a Research Assistant you will: 

• Conduct quality control for our commitments dataset

• Co-manage with the team’s current research assistant, a team of temporary researchers who will also be conducting quality control tasks

• Process, organize, summarize, and analyze data to prepare for our dataset public release, coordinating with the Net Zero PIs and the Salata communications team

• Communicate and collaborate with team of researchers and faculty PIs with periodic reports of project status to net zero team and recommend additional steps to meet deadlines and quality control objectives

• Oversee the activities of other research temps

Basic Qualifications

College degree in a related field of research study and three or more years’ related work experience.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Strong organization and attention to detail 

• Effective communications skills 

• Demonstrated knowledge of research populations and/or techniques  

• Knowledge of standard research methods and statistical techniques 

• Exposure to applicable technologies, including specific software applications 

Appointment End Date: This is a term appointment ending June 30, 2026.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-time, M-F.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education.

Other Information:

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. 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.