Research Assistant I

Company Description
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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description
Job Summary:
Under the direction of Professor Leah Somerville in The Affective Neuroscience & Development Lab at Harvard University, the Research Assistant (RA) works on a series of projects aimed at understanding how brain development shapes changes in cognition, emotion, motivation, and decision making through adolescence.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The Research Assistant (RA) will gain experience with all aspects of the research process, which could serve as a launch pad to graduate studies. The RA's primary responsibilities include: (1) data acquisition using behavioral and brain imaging techniques; (2) general administrative duties to maintain the workings of the laboratory; (3) subject recruitment and screening; (4) management of datasets; and (5) manuscript and data preparation.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (required):
Background in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field and previous research experience is required. Experience with Word, Excel, Google docs/calendar is necessary.

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):
B.A., B.S., or equivalent preferred. The following skills will confer an advantage but are not necessary to receive consideration: Experience working with children and adolescents in experimental settings and/or visiting schools to conduct research; clinical interviewing; experience with skin conductance, eye tracking and/or fMRI data acquisition and analysis; coursework or practical application of statistics; experience with IRB documentation; accounts management. Familiarity with programs such as R, Python, and FSL are especially valued.

The RA must possess excellent organizational and communication skills and must demonstrate the ability to work independently. Because this research involves the participation of children and adolescents, hours will vary week-to-week and will sometimes include evenings and weekends. Communication skills must be sufficiently strong to maintain excellent rapport with child and adolescent participants and their parents.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week


• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position


• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity


• Other Information: This is a one-year term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding.

All formal offers are made by FAS HR

Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 052. 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.