Research Assistant

Description

002066SR

School/Unit Harvard Law School

Department Environmental and Energy Law Program

Job Function Research

Location Cambridge

Job Type Full-time

Salary Grade 055

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Term Appointment Yes

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.

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you'll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Given the importance of reducing corporate emissions to address climate change, we need to better understand how these pledges work and design strategies to ensure they are effective. However, there is a lack of information and analysis about whether corporate net-zero goals result in real emissions reductions. This project, led by a cross‑disciplinary team of experts in environmental and administrative law, environmental economics and policy, and sustainable business strategy, supported by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard, aims to analyze the impact of U.S. companies' commitments and the implications for U.S. policy.

The Cluster's empirical research entails examining how companies with net‑zero targets behave compared to companies without to understand how targets influence firm decision‑making; analyzing the environmental effectiveness of corporate commitments, including if and how emissions reductions are achieved; and identifying gaps or failures in implementation.

• Conduct quality control for our commitments dataset
• Co‑manage with the team's current research assistant a team of temporary researchers who will also be conducting quality control tasks
• Process, organize, summarize, and analyze data to prepare for our dataset public release, coordinating with the Net Zero PIs and the Salata communications team
• Communicate and collaborate with a team of researchers and faculty PIs with periodic reports of project status to the net zero team and recommend additional steps to meet deadlines and quality control objectives
• Oversee the activities of other research temps

College degree in a related field of research study and three or more years' related work experience.

We are looking for people who have:

• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Effective communications skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of research populations and/or techniques
• Knowledge of standard research methods and statistical techniques
• Exposure to applicable technologies, including specific software applications

Appointment End Date: This is a term appointment ending June 30, 2026.

Standard Hours/

Schedule:

35 hours per week;
Full‑time, M‑F.

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

Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education.

Other Information:

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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.

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

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…