Research Assistant to The Belfer Center Director - Cambridge, United States - Harvard University

Harvard University

Verified Company

Cambridge, United States

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

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.
- 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 highpriority 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

Exceptional written and oral communications skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with mínimal 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

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
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Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation ti