Research and Data Specialist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is seeking a Research and Data Specialist to join the Library and Research Services (LRS) department. This role reports to the Director of Research Computing and Data Services and supports the mission of Harvard Kennedy School by bridging traditional reference services with specialized consultation, training, and facilitation in research and data for faculty, students, and fellows. The Specialist will administer student access to technology in courses, work with faculty and students to understand needs and champion solutions, and collaborate with LRS staff to ensure integrated service provision. This individual contributor role also works closely with the Director of Research Computing and Data Services to scope and address emerging needs of the HKS community.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in library and information science, social science, or a related field.
• 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.
• 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.
• Familiarity with data management planning, open data practices, and reproducibility standards.
• Demonstrated proficiency in working with data and research software and tools.
• Proficiency in citation management and related tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting research in a library with a focus on teaching, learning, and research, policy research institution, or similar environment.
• Experience working with a diverse patron or client group.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Delivers individualized, in-depth research and data consultations to faculty, students, and fellows, focusing on reference research, research design, research methods, and data analysis.
• Assists students and researchers in identifying appropriate datasets and data sources, devising research strategies, and using citation and analytical tools effectively.
• Designs, develops, and delivers training and workshops to enhance research and data skills in collaboration with LRS staff.
• Develops and continually improves instructional materials, curricula, and online training resources guided by best practices and community needs.
• Administers student licenses for tools used in courses at HKS (e.g., ChatGPT Edu and Claude).
• Manages 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 LRS Library Services group to embed research and data literacy into course-integrated instruction and orientations.
• Embeds as a course consultant as requested by faculty.
• Builds strong working relationships with faculty, research centers, students, and research-affiliated staff to understand data needs across the HKS community.
• Works with the Director of Research Computing and Data Services and the Director of Library Services to proactively develop services and programming that address community data needs.
• Fosters a spirit of teamwork and unity within the department, appreciating diversity and working effectively together to support the HKS community and mission.

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: Mid Level