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Research Assistant IV Non-Lab (Research Project Coordinator)

Harvard University

Boston, MA · Posted October 21, 2026

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About the job

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 T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values , our Principles of Citizenship , and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) is an active unit in the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a mission to understand and intervene on the social determinants of health and health equity across the life-course. This mission is achieved through research to identify the social and behavioral determinants of health, development and evaluation of interventions and policies leading to the improvement of population health, and the preparation of professionals and researchers who will fill leadership positions in advocacy and public service.

The Research Assistant IV Non-Lab (Research Project Coordinator) will support a research program and professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and managing tasks related to the day-to-day operation, projects funded by private foundations, public health agencies, Harvard University, and other sources. In addition to the day-to-day research assistant responsibilities, they will serve as the primary liaison with other relevant department and university staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Provide project-specific support to assist Dr. Williams’ research activities

Assist with conducting literature reviews to inform study implementation and manuscript preparation

Monitor overall study progress and assist with preparing the annual and final progress reports

Schedule and attend all research team meetings

Assist with preparing the study’s scientific manuscripts and resource materials for the study website

Draft Edit and prepare correspondence, reports and other materials using word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases

Support smooth day-to-day flow of communications and targeted outreach for program activities with internal team members as well as external partners and collaborators

Exercise decision-making and use independent judgement to determine how best to resolve logistical, technical, and conceptual challenges that arise in the course of carrying out project objectives, consider the impacts of relevant actions, and when warranted, make recommendations for action

Perform other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of two years from the date of hire with the possibility of extension. This is a part-time benefits-eligible position with a 17.5 hour work schedule.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

4+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Experience in an academic or research environment

Strong written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills

Capacity to thoroughly complete all tasks with excellent attention to detail

Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively

Experience managing multiple priorities

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Experience with End Note and Word Press preferred

Aptitude for learning new technology systems

Interest in public health a plus

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: 2 years from date of hire with possibility of extension

Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.

This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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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.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. 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.