Research Assistant III, Remodeling Futures Program

The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates design, research, and scholarship leaders to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers degree programs across a range of design disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, design engineering, and real estate—as well as advanced research programs that cut across these disciplines and a robust public program of lectures, exhibitions, and publications. The immense variety of people, programs, and ideas at the School sustains a vibrant and rich environment for learning, inquiry, and collaboration, unlike any other design school. For more information about Harvard GSD see: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/. 

Reporting to the Director of the Remodeling Futures Program, the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) seeks applications for a Research Assistant to join the Remodeling Futures Program and conduct research on issues related to housing and home improvement markets and policy.  

Since its founding in 1959, JCHS has been a leader in advancing public understanding of housing issues and policy. Through its research, education, and public outreach programs, JCHS helps leaders in government, business, and the civic sectors make decisions that effectively address the needs of cities and communities. The Remodeling Futures Program specifically addresses issues related to existing housing renovation and preservation, as well as the policy and industry context for this work, in service of advancing knowledge and strategies to ensure a healthy, equitable, and affordable supply of housing for all households.  

As a member of the Remodeling Futures Program team, the Research Assistant will conduct quantitative and qualitative research on topics within the Program’s research agenda and contribute to publications, presentations, and activities under the Program’s purview. The Research Assistant will also participate in and support the Joint Center’s research and staff activities, including (but not limited to) research skill development, communications and external publications, internal events and meetings, and other tasks as needed. The Center is a mission-driven organization that promotes a culture of collaboration, creativity, respect, diversity, and inclusion. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Carries out quantitative and qualitative research on topics related to home improvement and repair markets, housing preservation and adaptation, disaster recovery and climate resilience in the housing stock, household demographics and finances, housing affordability, housing policy, and other research areas as needed. 
• Summarizes and compiles data through the statistical analysis of large-scale databases including (but not limited to) the American Housing Survey, Decennial Census, Current Population Survey, Survey of Consumer Finance, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, Residential Energy Consumption Survey, Rental Housing Finance Survey, and American Community Survey.  
• Participates in design of research methods and approaches; Organizes material for reports, research briefs, and working papers, including through literature reviews, quantitative analyses, background research and other tasks as needed. 
• Translates analytical findings into publications and presentations for a broad audience of academic, industry and/or policy experts with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Drafts publications both independently and in collaboration with senior staff. Designs and delivers research presentations to internal and external audiences, including at biannual Remodeling Futures project meetings, and elsewhere as required.  
• Works as a member of a team, contributing to all aspects of project development and execution.  Submits periodic reports of project status to supervisor. Performs other project duties as required. 
• Helps contribute positively to the Center’s efforts to be an inclusive and equitable environment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The Center is a hybrid work environment with some staff working in the office at least part of each work week, while other staff are primarily remote. This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional flexible work options and details will be discussed during the interview process.
• Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.
• Candidates who do not live within commuting distance of our Cambridge, Massachusetts campus should indicate on their resumes whether they are “willing to relocate,” as this position requires a regular on-campus presence.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Expected Salary Range: $61,894 - $70,000
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

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.

Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:
-Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in housing markets, home improvement, and related topics, as well as experience with using statistical analysis programs to analyze large databases (familiarity with R or similar programs preferred).
-Bachelor's degree in economics, public policy, urban planning, or a related field or equivalent experience and 2 years of relevant research experience required. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
-Experience working with Census datasets, and/or GIS mapping tools is a plus.
-Experience with writing for academic, industry, or policy audiences is also a plus.
-Preference will be given to those with a Master’s Degree in one of these fields, as well as those with demonstrated strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills.