Associate Data Scientist Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Job Summary:

The Associate Data Scientist will work closely with Opportunity Insights' Founding Director, Executive Director, faculty, and senior researchers and staff to transform large administrative and program datasets into reproducible analyses, statistical models, and decision-support tools. The position helps translate complex research findings into accessible metrics, visualizations, and reports for internal leadership and external partners, including policymakers and practitioners. This position will report to Raj Chetty, Opportunity Insights's Founding Director.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Analyze large, complex administrative and program datasets in support of specific research projects, and contribute to the design, development, and enhancement of OI's broader data infrastructure.
• Construct robust statistical models to produce statistics, such as those in the Opportunity Atlas, from confidential microdata, ensuring the application of appropriate privacy protection principles and compliance with data governance standards.
• Apply advanced statistical and econometric techniques for causal inference, including matching estimators and quasi-experimental designs, to rigorously evaluate program impacts and economic mobility outcomes.
• Build, calibrate, and validate models for financial forecasting, social impacts, and other economic and social benefits, including demand estimation and policy impact analysis, to inform data-driven decision-making.
• Integrate analytical findings into well-structured dashboards, reports, and visualizations for internal decision-makers and external partners, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and alignment with stakeholder needs.
• Document methodologies, data transformations, and analytical workflows in a clear and reproducible manner, supporting transparency, knowledge transfer, and long-term maintainability of OI's analytical assets.

Working Conditions:

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. The work is mainly performed in an office setting. Flexible work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.  

Physical Requirements:

Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, Econometrics or a related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with data analysis, economics research, or econometrics
• Proficiency in Python and languages such as Stata or R for data analysis
• Experience with creation and analysis of large datasets
• Familiarity with modern AI coding tools (e.g., Claude Code)
• Experience and interest in working in collaborative settings with other team members

• Appointment End Date: Two years from date of hire (with the possibility of renewal)
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information:

• Two-year term position with possibility of renewal.
• Finalists may be asked to provide transcripts and/or complete a skills assessment.
• A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration.
• All final offers will be made by FAS HR.

Opportunity Inisghts is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization based at Harvard University and directed by Raj Chetty, John Friedman, and Nathaniel Hendren. We conduct scientific research using "big data" on how to improve upward mobility and work collaboratively with local stakeholders to translate these research findings into policy change. We also train the next generation of social scientists and practitioners to improve opportunity for all.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. 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.