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:

The Laboratory for Developmental Studies in the Psychology department has a position open for a full-time research assistant for studies of language comprehension in typically-developing children, children with autism, and adults. The candidate will report directly to Dr. Jesse Snedeker, a Professor of Developmental Psychology, and will be responsible for managing and overseeing the daily activities of two lab spaces dedicated to running research studies with children and adults.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include hiring, training, and supervising undergraduate research assistants, managing a summer internship program, coordinating testing spaces and study schedules, assisting with preparation of grant applications and progress reports, maintaining the lab manual, and assisting in the collection of data. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the design, data collection, and engage in other research-related activities.

In addition, the candidate will act as the primary liaison between the lab, Psychology administration, and the Harvard IRB, coordinating all lab purchases as well as applications for human subjects research approval. The candidate will perform other related duties as well, depending on the needs of the lab.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

At least one year of experience in psychology, linguistics, cognitive science or related field is required. Relevant coursework may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in psychology, linguistics, or cognitive science and experience working with young children and families. Excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and comfort with technical troubleshooting are essential. Must also be confident working both independently as well as with others in a high-paced research environment. Experience with eye tracking, EEG, R, Matlab, or Eprime would be put to good use, as would coursework in semantics, pragmatics, and syntax.

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, grant-funded term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding. All formal offers are made by FAS Human Resources.

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.