Research Assistant III, Housing and Aging Society Program

Company Description

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Job Description

Job Summary:

NOTE: This is a 3-Month Term position from October 3, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies seeks applications for a Research Assistant to join the Housing an Aging Society program team and conduct research on issues related to housing and older adults for a period of 3 months.

Since its founding in 1959, the Center has been a leader in advancing public understanding of housing issues and policy. The Center strives to improve equitable access to decent, affordable homes in thriving communities. We conduct rigorous research to advance policy and practice, and we bring together diverse stakeholders to spark new ideas for addressing housing challenges. Through teaching and fellowships, we mentor and inspire the next generation of housing leaders. The Housing an Aging Society program specifically addresses issues related to population aging and affordability, accessibility and safety, connections between housing and long-term care, and age-friendly communities, in service of advancing knowledge and strategies to ensure healthy, equitable, and affordable housing and neighborhoods for all older adults.

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 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 repair programs aimed at older homeowners, including traveling to project case study sites to conduct interviews with older homeowners.
- Cleans administrative data related to housing for older adults with low incomes, for a project investigating the impact of service coordinators in older adults’ buildings.
- 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.
- Conducts literature and background research for reports and other tasks as needed. 
- 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.

Working Conditions:

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.

Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US

Physical Requirements:

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in housing and related topics, as well as experience with using statistical analysis programs to analyze large databases (familiarity with R or similar programs preferred). 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.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, urban planning, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant research experience required. 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. Candidate must have employment eligibility to work in the United States.

Certificates and Licenses:

Additional Information

- Appointment End Date:
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
- Other Information:
Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Salary ranges within each pay grade are based on qualifications, skills, experience, equity in comparison to similar positions, and external market values. Salary ranges allow for differences among positions within the same grade as well as increasing levels of responsibility and performance within the same job.

For more information regarding salary ranges at Harvard, please see:  https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges

Harvard 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.

For more information about Harvard GSD see:  https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/

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 department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. 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.