Associate Data Scientist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Data Scientist will work closely with Opportunity Insights’ Founding Director, Executive Director, faculty, and senior researchers and staff to transform large administrative and program datasets into reproducible analyses, statistical models, and decision-support tools. The position helps translate complex research findings into accessible metrics, visualizations, and reports for internal leadership and external partners, including policymakers and practitioners. This position will report to Raj Chetty, Opportunity Insights’s Founding Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, Econometrics or a related field.
• Experience with data analysis, economics research, or econometrics
• Proficiency in Python and languages such as Stata or R for data analysis
• Experience with creation and analysis of large datasets
• Familiarity with modern AI coding tools (e.g., Claude Code)
• Experience and interest in working in collaborative settings with other team members

Responsibilities

• Analyze large, complex administrative and program datasets in support of specific research projects, and contribute to the design, development, and enhancement of OI’s broader data infrastructure.
• Construct robust statistical models to produce statistics, such as those in the Opportunity Atlas, from confidential microdata, ensuring the application of appropriate privacy protection principles and compliance with data governance standards.
• Apply advanced statistical and econometric techniques for causal inference, including matching estimators and quasi-experimental designs, to rigorously evaluate program impacts and economic mobility outcomes.
• Build, calibrate, and validate models for financial forecasting, social impacts, and other economic and social benefits, including demand estimation and policy impact analysis, to inform data-driven decision-making.
• Integrate analytical findings into well-structured dashboards, reports, and visualizations for internal decision-makers and external partners, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and alignment with stakeholder needs.
• Document methodologies, data transformations, and analytical workflows in a clear and reproducible manner, supporting transparency, knowledge transfer, and long-term maintainability of OI’s analytical assets.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level