Position Description

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education. The Senior Data Scientist at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University leads statistical programming, collaborates with Principal Investigators to develop advanced models and analysis tools, develops data architecture and data processing pipelines, works with multiple stakeholders and develops visualizations to communicate key findings to non-technical audiences, and advises projects on state-of-the-art software and data solutions to support the research. CEPR partners with school districts, charter school networks, and state education agencies to bring high quality research methods and data analysis to bear on strategic management and policy decisions. We believe that (1) policy and management decisions directly influence the ability of schools and teachers to improve student achievement; and (2) valid and reliable data analysis significantly improves the quality of decision-making. We design our work around the theory of action that if we bring together the right people, the right data, and the right analysis, significantly better decision-making will occur, and student outcomes will be improved.

The Senior Data Scientist reports to CEPR’s Director of Research who will identify specific projects and tasks that would benefit from the Senior Data Scientist’s expertise.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Develops advanced models and performs complex statistical programming to support the research.
Advises research projects on state-of-the-art technical solutions to analytic and data challenges.
Translates complex analyses for policy and practitioner audiences and develop visualizations that help people understand key findings and new insights.
Mentors research analysts on statistical programming and informally supervise the analyst on any tasks that the Senior Data Scientist assigns to them.
Serves as a resource to the team for computer programming and statistics. Occasionally, group training on specific tools or models.
Builds internal code design and development guides for future contributors,
Conducts quality assurance to ensure the reproducibility of analyses, documentation of methods and algorithms, and use of appropriate statistical tests.
Collaborates with Principal Investigators and Project Directors to develop research plans and statistical analyses.
Contributes to papers and reports.

Please Note: Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume showing that they meet the required basic qualifications. Any candidate invited to an initial round of interview will be asked to submit a sample program. Any candidate invited to a second round of interview will be asked to complete a case. This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field.

7+ years of relevant experience or post-secondary education.

3+ years’ experience in advanced statistical programming using Stata or R.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Master’s degree preferred.

5+ years experience in statistical programming preferred.

3+ years experience supporting social science research projects preferred.

Experience with Bayesian estimation, machine learning, natural language processing, cloud-based computing, and/or Artificial Intelligence strongly preferred.

Experience with managing and analyzing large datasets, scaling processes, developing data architectures, and developing R packages preferred.

Experience with version control software (such as Git), code reviews, and unit testing preferred.

Ability to translate technical topics for non-technical audiences and to develop analyses and visualizations that convey key findings clearly.

Demonstrated creative ability to solve challenges in novel ways using state-of-the-art statistical and data processing techniques.

Experience working with K-12 or postsecondary education data a plus.

Working Conditions

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.

Additional Information

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

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

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.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I1258P IT RC Software/Data Prof IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

058

Department

CEPR

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

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.

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