Research and Data Specialist

Posted to IASSIST on: 2026-08-25

Employer: Harvard University

Employer URL: https://harvard.edu/

Description

Research and Data Specialist

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.

Qualifications

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.
• A complete application must include a resume and cover letter.

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.

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.

About Harvard University and the Kennedy School

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard’s world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Salary

Salary grade 057. According to Harvard’s Salary Ranges, this is $78,000-132,600 for FY27.

Job Location

Cambridge, MA

More info/apply URL: https://careers.harvard.edu/job/research-and-data-specialist-in-cambridge-ma-united-states-jid-1981

Archived on: 2026-09-04