Associate Data Scientist

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University is the historic heart of the institution, housing Harvard College and all Ph.D. programs. FAS supports a diverse community of scholars across various liberal arts and sciences disciplines, fostering an environment of excellence and innovation.

About the role

The Associate Data Scientist will collaborate with Opportunity Insights' Founding Director, Executive Director, faculty, and senior researchers to develop and enhance data infrastructure. This role involves analyzing large datasets, constructing statistical models, and translating research findings into actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large, complex administrative and program datasets to support specific research projects.
• Design, develop, and enhance OI’s broader data infrastructure.
• Construct robust statistical models to produce statistics, such as those in the Opportunity Atlas, from confidential microdata, ensuring privacy protection 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Familiarity with modern AI coding tools (e.g., Claude Code).
• Experience and interest in working in collaborative settings with other team members.

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: Two years from date of hire (with the possibility of renewal)

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

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

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information: Two-year term position with possibility of renewal. A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration.

All final offers will be made by FAS HR.

Opportunity Insights is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization based at Harvard University and directed by Raj Chetty, John Friedman, and Nathaniel Hendren. We conduct scientific research using “big data” on how to improve upward mobility and work collaboratively with local stakeholders to translate these research findings into policy change. We also train the next generation of social scientists and practitioners to improve opportunity for all.

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 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage, retirement plans with university contributions, wellbeing and mental health resources, professional development opportunities, commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

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.