Harvard Kennedy School Is Hiring An Assistant Director for Research

Join Harvard University’s Vibrant Community as an Assistant Director for Research at MEI

Embark on a meaningful career at Harvard University, where you will contribute to impactful research and policy efforts focused on the Middle East and North Africa, supporting a diverse and inclusive environment.

Company Overview

At Harvard University, you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to advancing groundbreaking missions, fostering innovation, collaboration, and developing professional skills. Our commitment is to create a welcoming environment where everyone thrives.

Why Join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at Harvard. Our mission is to enhance public policy and leadership to create safer, freer, just, and sustainably prosperous societies. Through pioneering research, excellent teaching, and engagement with practitioners, we aim to address complex public issues—making a difference you can be proud of.

About the Middle East Initiative (MEI)

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center is Harvard’s premier forum for research and education on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Led by Tarek Masoud, Ford Foundation Professor of Democracy and Governance, MEI convenes policymakers, scholars, and thought leaders to deepen understanding and develop solutions for regional challenges. Our approach integrates scholarly research, policy analysis, education, and community engagement to promote public policy and regional capacity, improving lives across the Middle East.

Job Description

MEI is seeking a Quantitatively-Oriented Social Scientist with profound knowledge of the Middle East to serve as an Assistant Director for Research. Reporting directly to the Faculty Director, this role oversees MEI’s research portfolio, explores new collaborative opportunities, and participates in leadership activities to advance MEI’s intellectual contributions.

The ideal candidate is motivated, resourceful, a self-starter, and team-oriented, skilled at managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and communicating effectively with stakeholders including donors and research partners. Proven experience leading research in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage MEI’s research portfolio: develop peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and case studies for Harvard and external audiences.
• Design research systems: establish protocols for IRB approval, data security, ethical practices, and coding standards.
• Identify and develop new research opportunities and collaborations.
• Contribute to research outputs: co-author background papers, policy briefs, case studies, and peer-reviewed articles.
• Build partnerships: engage with policy institutions, universities, funders, and represent MEI at conferences and meetings.
• Supervise research staff: recruit, mentor, and oversee research assistants.
• Organize research workshops and conferences.
• Travel as needed to oversee field research activities.
• Participate in selection processes for fellowships and research awards.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in political science, economics, or sociology.
• Minimum of seven years of professional research experience, with a combination of academic and practical expertise.
• Experience leading research projects in MENA is mandatory.
• Application must include a cover letter and a writing sample (see details below).

Additional Skills and Qualifications

• Experience managing large research teams.
• Proficiency in R or Stata for statistical programming.
• Experience with methodologies such as:
  • Elite interviews
  • Population surveys
  • Survey and field experiments
  • Quantitative analysis of observational data (e.g., V-dem, World Bank Indicators)
• Proven ability to write research and grant proposals.
• Experience navigating Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes.
• Fluency in regional languages (Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with diverse partners.

Additional Information

Applicants must submit:

• a cover letter
• a writing sample (no more than 50 pages, including an abstract of 300 words or less, preferably single-authored, published or unpublished, examples include policy briefs, journal articles, book chapters, dissertation chapters, or white papers).

This full-time, benefits-eligible position is a one-year term with potential renewal. Work is based on-site at Harvard’s Cambridge, MA campus, Monday through Friday. Harvard cannot sponsor visas for this role.

Work Setup & Compensation

The role requires on-site work; additional details will be discussed during interviews. Salary is aligned with Harvard’s Salary Ranges, at grade 057.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid time off and parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Mental health and wellbeing resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Commuter benefits and campus perks

Learn more about Harvard Benefits & Wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Policy

Harvard is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics. We promote a respectful environment where all community members can thrive.

Interested in Applying?

Submit your application with a cover letter and a writing sample. Ensure your sample:

• Is no more than 50 pages
• Includes a 300-word abstract or less
• Is preferably single-authored
• Can be published or unpublished
• Includes policy briefs, articles, chapters, or white papers relevant to your expertise