Job Summary

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs seeks two research assistants to support Meghan O?Sullivan, Director of the Belfer Center and Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice at the Harvard Kennedy School. The research assistants will work closely with the Belfer Center?s leadership team to conduct in-depth research and perform other duties for Professor O?Sullivan?s work and Belfer Center initiatives. Work may focus on issues including technology and geopolitics, the energy transition, the Middle East, transatlantic relations, U.S.-China relations, and other topics in U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.

Candidates will be considered for roles focusing on the following areas:

• emerging technologies (including but not limited to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing) and related questions of international competition, cooperation, and governance;
• technologies and policies related to the energy transition (including but not limited to clean energy technologies, related critical minerals and supply chains, the geopolitics of the energy transition, and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector);
• overall topics in international affairs, such as the Middle East, transatlantic relations, U.S.-China relations, and other topics in U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.

In your cover letter, please indicate the area(s) for which you wish to be considered.

Position Description

The Research Assistants will work directly with Professor O?Sullivan and the Belfer Center?s leadership team. They will play a key role in:

• Conducting research on specific topics and producing literature reviews, briefings for events and speakers, analytic memos, draft talking points and questions, and other outputs;
• Briefing the director and leadership team on research and upcoming engagements;
• Contributing to the development and execution of high-priority Belfer Center initiatives, such as visits by senior leaders, task forces, research projects, and others;
• Carrying out and supporting operations related to Belfer Center events, fellowships, guests, and other activities;
• Other related job duties, as required.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree required, with 1-2 years of work and/or academic experience directly related to the topics of the role. Relevant coursework and research will count toward experience.
• Significant knowledge of, and interest in, current issues in international affairs, research methods and sources, and basic quantitative skills.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and to assimilate, organize, and summarize large amounts of information.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Candidates with a Master?s degree in a relevant field are welcome to apply.
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision under tight deadlines.

Additional Information

All applicants must submit the following materials:
(1) Cover letter of 500 words or less
(2) Resume or CV
(3) Official or unofficial transcript
(4) Analytic writing sample, ideally on a topic related to the job areas of focus, of 5 pages or less

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Benefits

• 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.

Work Format

About Harvard University Kennedy School

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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