Research Assistant

The Ecological Approaches to Social Emotional Learning (EASEL) Lab, led by Professor Stephanie M. Jones, seeks a full-time Research Assistant to support our team in the Human Development and Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The EASEL Lab explores the effects of high-quality social and emotional interventions on the development and achievement of children, youth, teachers, parents, and communities. Our projects aim to advance the field of social and emotional learning through research, practice, and policy.

The Research Assistant will support the EASEL Lab’s "Inclusive Mindsets & Behaviors" (IMB) partnership with Special Olympics, focusing on a pilot of new materials that promote the development of inclusive mindsets and behaviors among participating youth, adult staff and volunteers, and leaders across the Special Olympics organization. The IMB materials are being co-designed and piloted in multiple sites across the SO organization (US sites – Arizona, Massachusetts, and South Carolina; International Sites – El Salvador, South Africa, UAE, China) and are designed to integrate and align with existing SO Education programs (e.g., Unified Champion Schools), while also exploring potential uses and adaptations for other SO programmatic settings (Sport, Health, and Leadership & Organizational Development). The Research Assistant will work with EASEL Lab project staff (Stephanie Jones, Rebecca Bailey, and Katie Loughlin) to develop, pilot test, and revise IMB materials to meet the needs of youth and educators in SO settings around the world. The Research Assistant will also collaborate with project partners (Special Olympics and CAST) in bi-weekly project meetings, quarterly cross-organizational meetings, and other partnership meetings and research activities as needed. This position will involve the following:

• Content development (create lessons, activities, group games and other student-facing and adult-facing materials about IMB)
• Qualitative data analysis (coding of focus groups, surveys, and interviews)
• Synthesis and preparation of pilot findings to share with project partners
• Coordination of pilot research activities with Special Olympics program sites (scheduling of focus groups, co-facilitation of focus groups or interviews, etc.)
• Use of pilot findings to identify and make revisions to IMB materials to improve their usability, relevance, and efficacy across diverse contexts
• Support to other project activities, as needed

This is a Term Position through August 31, 2025.

3 years relevant experience. Degree may count toward experience.

Must be familiar with SEL programs and research. Previous experience teaching or working with children and youth, be familiar with school-based or community-based programs, and have experience with qualitative research methods.

This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills, demonstrable initiative, ability to work independently, and strong interpersonal and administrative skills. Excellent attention to detail and a high capacity to plan and organize is required.

• A master’s degree in human development or education
• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience working in child or youth development, applied developmental psychology, educational programming and research, or curriculum development
• Familiarity with social-emotional developmental literature and SEL programs
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Excellent attention to detail
• Commitment to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines
• Willingness and flexibility to collaborate with team members on diverse project tasks
• Ideally has experience working with individuals with disabilities (intellectual or other) and/or a background and interest in inclusive education
• Ideally has experience working in US and international contexts
• Spanish, Arabic, or Mandarin language skills a plus

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve

Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged

Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation

Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion

Communicating transparently and respectfully; and

Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.