Job Details

Institution: Harvard University – Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)
Category: Economics; +2 (Military included)
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $102,300 – $179,100 per year
Posted: 11/20/2025
Work Schedule: 35 hours per week
Term: 12-month term with strong possibility of renewal
Visa Sponsorship: Not available

About Harvard FAS

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences is Harvard’s core academic division, home to its undergraduate program and all Ph.D. programs. With 40 academic departments and over 30 research centers, FAS promotes excellence, innovation, curiosity, and leadership through transformative education and research.

Job Summary

The Data Scientist will provide leadership in data analytics, developing strategic, analytical, and policy-focused insights. They will lead complex, multi-faceted projects, conducting quantitative and statistical studies to support evidence-based program investments and economic mobility research.

This role supports Opportunity Insights (OI), a research institute focused on economic opportunity using large-scale administrative data.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Evaluation & Financial Modeling

• Acquire, clean, and manage large program datasets

• Design and perform econometric studies evaluating public policies and mobility-related programs

• Apply causal inference methods (matching estimators, quasi-experimental models)

• Develop financial return models, including risk and impact assessment

• Ensure analytical rigor and transparency

Cost-Benefit Analysis & Tool Development

• Conduct cost-benefit studies

• Quantify economic and social benefits

• Build tools (e.g., calculators) to estimate program cost savings and tax revenue impact

• Develop dashboards, reports, and visualizations

Teaching & Mentoring

• Support OI data science education initiatives for high school and college students

• Collaborate with and supervise research assistants and junior analysts

• Provide technical modeling guidance and promote knowledge-sharing

Communication of Results

• Prepare technical reports and non-technical summaries for stakeholders

• Support policy briefs and presentations

• Represent OI in meetings, conferences, and research events

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Supervisory experience required

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, or related field

• At least 2 years of applied econometric experience, ideally in policy or academic environments

• Expertise in:

  • Causal inference & econometric modeling

  • Big data analysis

  • Cost-benefit and quantitative impact evaluation

  • Forecasting and financial modeling

• Strong programming skills in R, Stata, Python, SAS

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex results to non-technical audiences

• Experience authoring both technical and policy-oriented reports

• Strong collaboration and team engagement skills

Work Format

Hybrid work arrangements possible. Must work from a Harvard-registered state when remote and meet eligibility requirements for work location.

Application Requirements

To be considered, candidates must submit:

• Cover letter

• Resume/CV
  A skills assessment may be required during the interview process.

Benefits Include

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (starting day one)

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave

• Retirement plans with university contributions

• Mental health and wellbeing resources

• Education assistance and professional development

• Support for families and caregivers

• Commuter benefits and campus perks

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harvard University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive equal employment consideration without discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.