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Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.
Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Center for Work, Health, and Well-being conducts research and disseminates practices, policies, and programs that protect and promote worker safety, health, and well-being. The Center is a NIOSH Total Worker Health Center of Excellence funded by the CDC through 8/31/26, with the possibility of continued funding and also a possibility that the Center will be applying for another grant in 2026. The Research Assistant (RA) reports directly to the Center Asst Director and will work closely with the Center Director, Assoc Director and Asst Director to provide a range of support to the research team.
The RA provides essential support and contributions to the Center’s research projects and dissemination of research findings. With guidance from the Center’s researchers, the RA conducts literature searches, drafts sections of papers, assists with manuscript development, and creates libraries of references for publications. The RA contributes to maintaining the Center website and social media presence, and develops dissemination materials including semi-annual newsletters and event announcements. The RA also contributes in substantive ways to grant proposals for Center funding.
The RA provides a variety of research and administrative support. The RA manages multiple tasks supporting translational research projects, involving the implementation of practices and policies based on research findings. The RA may also research survey constructs and prepare surveys; manage communications with community and academic collaborators; and prepare for Center meetings and seminars. The RA communicates directly with internal and external collaborators, representing the Center. The RA arranges for meetings, manages logistics and answers questions from the Center’s External Advisory Board members. The successful candidate is a professional with strong attention to detail, who has the ability to develop and implement efficient and effective strategies to support the Center’s multiple projects, and is comfortable working both collaboratively and independently.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Outreach and dissemination
- Collect and analyze qualitative data, as part of translational research
- Contribute to development of abstracts, proposals, posters, presentations, and research articles
- Coordinate zoom meetings with collaborators
- Assist with the design and production of educational and outreach materials for use on the Center’s website, distributing at conferences, and including in the Center’s e-newsletter
- Update social media accounts (ex: LinkedIn) and Center website
- Contribute to non-academic overviews of research study findings
- Support of Research Projects
- Collect project data, acquiring it through structured interviews, library research, or other research methods
- Analyze and/or code data according to project requirements and established protocols
- Summarize data and draft a report of results
- Provide periodic reports of project status to supervisor and/or other research team personnel
- Perform administrative duties incidental to research tasks and in preparation for Center meetings and seminars
- Manage communications with community and academic collaborators
- Center Administration
- Schedule meetings and seminars, provide logistical support, and prepare materials
- Assist with PowerPoint presentation design and formatting, for conferences and webinars
- Assist with the preparation and submission of manuscripts and Center reports
- Manage and enter information into the Center-wide process tracking system
- Arrange travel; process and track reimbursement of travel and other expenses, including honoraria
- Contribute to the Center’s development of a proposal for additional years of funding; coordinate the collection of materials (biosketches, letters of support, appendices, etc.); schedule meetings with Center advisors as content is developed, distributing materials in advance of meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned
PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of August 31, 2026, with the strong possibility of extension.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a part-time, benefits eligible position with a schedule of17.5 hour work week.
PLEASE NOTE: This position is primarily remote, with some in-person meetings; applicant must be comfortable working remotely and independently and with occasional onsite work.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- 2+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience will be considered
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Related experience in an academic research center or other academic setting preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe programs
- Experience with Canva, WordPress, Emma (at Harvard), Qualtrics
- This position is primarily remote, with some in-person meetings; applicants must be comfortable working remotely and with limited direct supervision
- Strong verbal, writing, editing, and presentation skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent the Center in communications with collaborators and other stakeholders strongly preferred
- Attention to detail; time management and organizational skills; experience balancing multiple tasks all strongly preferred, as is the ability to efficiently and effectively work remotely
- Team player and also able to work independently; willingness to develop new skills, per the needs of the position
- A demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, at times under tight deadlines
- Need to be well organized and have strong planning skills
- This is a mostly remote position, with some in-person meetings; applicant must be comfortable working remotely and independently
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: August 31, 2026
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!
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The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
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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.
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 053. 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.