Research Assistant Positions @ Harvard

Researchers on the ExCEL-P3 Study from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and MDRC are recruiting a team of Temporary Research Assistants (7-10 positions available) to perform in-school assessments with a cohort of fifth grade students across an array of public schools in Boston, MA.

The Expanding Children’s Early Learning from P-3 (ExCEL P3) is a multi-year study run by MDRC in collaboration with Boston Public Schools (BPS) Department of Early Childhood, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the University of Michigan. The ExCEL-P3 Study documents and evaluates a district-wide curriculum in Boston that aligns instruction from preschool to second grade.

During the 2022-23 school year, the study team will use student assessments to track how a large cohort of students have been impacted through fifth grade by the district’s continuous approach to learning in their early school years.

The Research Assistant responsibilities will include:

● Conducting student assessments (e.g., tests of academic skills and surveys of wellbeing) in elementary school classrooms (travel to public schools throughout Boston required)

● Meeting with school staff to explain the study and data collection activities

● Regularly communicating with HGSE staff to update on data collection progress and issues; attend a one-hour online weekly meeting with the research team

Qualifications and prerequisites:

● BA preferred

● Availability to work 3-days/week during school hours between October 2022-early January 2023

● Availability to attend full-day training on October 6th and 7th , 2022

● Access to reliable transportation, either through personal vehicle or public transportation

● Experience working with educators and children

● Complete CORI background check (required by BPS) to work in schools

● Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

● Motivation and attention to detail

● Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Additional selection criteria:

● Some knowledge and experience in child development and education

● Grasp of the complexities of working in school settings

● Some experience with research projects that involve student and/or classroom assessments preferred

Training

Field staff are required to attend a 2-day, full-day training in Cambridge on October 6th and 7th , 2022. Full attendance at training is mandatory. Trainees must successfully complete training and subsequent certification to continue employment on the project.

Pay

Pay rate for this position is $25/hour (includes training and travel time) Mileage reimbursement is $0.585 per mile.

COVID-19 vaccination

Field staff are required to provide proof of vaccination prior to entering schools. To apply To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and the names of two references with contact information to Rachel Kushner (rachel_kushner@gse.harvard.edu).
 

Please use ‘EXCEL-P3 Research Assistant’ in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed starting August 22nd, 2022 until positions are filled.

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law”