Research Scientist, The Project on Workforce

Research Scientist, The Project on Workforce Full-time Work Format: Hybrid Harvard Job Function: Research Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Salary Grade: 058 Department: Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government FLSA Status: Exempt 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 Kennedy School? The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference. Job Description Based at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School, the Project on Workforce is an interdisciplinary initiative spanning the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School's Managing the Future of Work project, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The Project produces rigorous research and actionable insights at the intersection of education, labor markets, and economic mobility, with the goal of creating stronger pathways between learning and work. Through research, policy engagement, strategic partnerships, and convenings, the Project brings together leaders across and beyond Harvard to address the nation's workforce challenges and expand opportunity for workers and learners. The Research Scientist will provide intellectual and operational leadership for a multi-year research initiative examining education and economic outcomes associated with career & technical education healthcare pathways across more than ten sites nationwide. Reporting to the Project on Workforce Director, the Research Scientist will lead the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of a longitudinal research agenda, oversee quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and generate rigorous evidence to inform policy and practice. The Research Scientist will serve as the project's primary methodological lead, developing research protocols, frameworks, and data infrastructure while ensuring research quality and integrity. The position will oversee project execution across multiple partners, manage research staff and external collaborators, guide participating sites in data use, and lead dissemination through publications, presentations, convenings, and engagement with practitioners, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Lead the design, implementation, and refinement of a multi-year longitudinal study examining education, workforce, and employer outcomes across more than ten CTE healthcare sites. Develop study methodologies, analytic frameworks, and data collection protocols to ensure rigorous and policy-relevant research. Direct quantitative and qualitative data collection, management, analysis, visualization, and interpretation across multiple data sources. Design and oversee research infrastructure, including data systems, reporting processes, dashboards, and quality assurance procedures. Provide methodological guidance and technical assistance to participating sites to strengthen data collection, reporting, and evidence-informed continuous improvement. Manage the day-to-day execution of the research portfolio, including project timelines, budgets, deliverables, external vendors, and cross-sector partnerships. Supervise research assistants and other project staff, providing