Harvard Fellow Opportunity 2025 at Research Associate at The People Lab, Harvard Kennedy School (Deadline:  14 August, 2025)

The People Lab at Harvard Kennedy School is offering an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in combining public policy, behavioral science, and data-driven research to solve critical government challenges. This full-time role as a Research Associate offers an incredible platform for researchers and aspiring policy leaders to work on projects that matter — with direct influence on public service delivery and government innovation.

About The People Lab

Based at the Harvard Kennedy School and led by Professor Elizabeth Linos, The People Lab is a cutting-edge research initiative focused on improving government by understanding and empowering its people. The Lab uses behavioral science and public management research to design, test, and implement evidence-based solutions in collaboration with public sector agencies.

The Lab’s work revolves around three central themes:

1. Strengthening the Government Workforce
   Exploring strategies to attract, retain, and support diverse public sector employees capable of effectively serving community needs.

2. Improving Resident-Government Interactions
   Reducing barriers to accessing services, increasing satisfaction and trust in public institutions, and streamlining service delivery.

3. Reimagining Evidence-Based Policymaking
   Enhancing how government integrates research into decision-making, tests interventions, and scales best practices.

What makes The People Lab unique is its hands-on approach with government partners. Projects are co-designed with agencies to ensure practical implementation and scalable impact. Whether it’s boosting take-up rates for assistance programs or improving employee well-being, The People Lab sits at the forefront of modern public sector innovation.

The Role: Research Associate

The Research Associate will join a vibrant and mission-driven team working on applied, collaborative research that directly informs and shapes government policies. Projects may include:

• Reducing stigma and improving enrollment in public benefits

• Studying and enhancing well-being among government employees

• Increasing adoption of research-backed policies in local and state institutions

The role includes collaboration with government agencies and research stakeholders, analyzing large data sets, managing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and communicating findings through reports, presentations, and academic publications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in designing and implementing rigorous research methods, including surveys, experiments, and RCTs

• Clean and analyze administrative datasets using tools such as Stata or R

• Conduct literature reviews and draft content for reports, academic papers, and policy briefs

• Lead the development of policy presentations and synthesize findings for both technical and general audiences

• Support IRB applications, data sharing agreements, and pre-analysis planning

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including research collaborators and public sector partners

Who Should Apply?

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, statistics, or a related field

• At least two years of relevant professional or postgraduate experience

• Strong quantitative analysis skills with experience handling large datasets

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Passion for public sector challenges and interest in government innovation

Additional assets include experience in survey design, randomized controlled trials, public administration, or graduate-level academic training.

Compensation & Application Details

• Salary Range: $75,000–$95,000 per year (starting offers typically fall at the lower end of the scale)

• Location: Based at Harvard Kennedy School (hybrid or remote options not specified)

• Application Deadline: Rolling, with the first review beginning August 14, 2025

• How to Apply: Candidates must submit their applications through the online application form and include a resume/CV with cumulative GPA.

This is a one-year term position, with renewal possible based on performance and funding.

Why Join The People Lab?

Working at The People Lab means being part of an evidence-based movement to modernize and humanize how governments serve people. From influencing service delivery in city halls to reimagining national policy evaluation, Research Associates play a pivotal role in driving forward public sector transformation. It’s an opportunity to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to social equity, efficiency, and inclusion.

Whether you’re a recent graduate with a knack for statistics or a policy professional looking to scale your research career, this role offers unmatched exposure and impact.

Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.