The Harvard Kennedy School is inviting applications for a Research Fellow position at its Center for International Development (CID), offering an exciting opportunity for graduates interested in development economics, labour markets, public policy and international development research.
The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Rema Hanna and an international research team on projects addressing poverty, social protection, employment, taxation and economic development.
This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking practical research experience at one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The fellowship also provides valuable preparation for individuals considering doctoral studies, academic careers or professional opportunities in international development and evidence-based policymaking.
Organization: Harvard Kennedy School – Center for International Development (CID)
Position: Research Fellow – Professor Rema Hanna
Research Areas: Development Economics, Labour Markets and Political Economy
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Work Arrangement: Full-time, with possible hybrid working
Duration: One year, with a strong possibility of renewal for a second year
Expected Start Date: March–August 2027
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Table of Contents
Fellowship Overview
The Research Fellow will join the Center for International Development at Harvard Kennedy School, contributing to research projects that investigate major economic and development challenges.
Under the supervision of Professor Rema Hanna, the fellow will support research activities across several countries, including Indonesia, India and Morocco.
The research portfolio covers important development issues such as:
- Social protection and poverty reduction.
- Labour markets and employment opportunities.
- Public finance and improving tax collection.
- Financial inclusion and economic development.
- Urban mobility and climate change.
- Evidence-based public policy and political economy.
The successful candidate will gain practical experience in quantitative research, economic analysis, data management and international research collaboration.
The position is full-time and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Hybrid working arrangements, combining office-based and remote work, may be possible in accordance with Harvard University’s flexible working policies. International travel may also be required depending on project activities.
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Salary, Benefits and Fellowship Duration
Harvard confirms that research fellows receive a salary, employee benefits and access to university resources. However, the specific salary amount is not disclosed in the recruitment announcement.
Other benefits and professional opportunities include:
- Mentorship and supervision from Harvard faculty.
- Access to Harvard’s academic and research resources.
- Collaboration with internationally recognised researchers.
- Experience working on real-world development challenges.
- Opportunities to contribute to academic papers and policy reports.
- Professional development in advanced economic research methods.
- Exposure to international development projects and research partnerships.
The appointment is initially for one year, with a strong possibility of renewal for a second year. The anticipated starting period is between March and August 2027.
Candidates should note that a second year is not guaranteed and will depend on the relevant arrangements.
Responsibilities of the Research Fellow
The selected candidate will support faculty-led research and contribute to the technical and administrative aspects of ongoing projects.
Key responsibilities include:
- Cleaning, organising and managing large research datasets.
- Conducting statistical analysis using Stata.
- Developing survey instruments and data collection documents.
- Preparing technical documentation for research teams.
- Conducting literature reviews and background research.
- Assisting with academic papers, policy reports and grant proposals.
- Coordinating with international research teams and partner organisations.
- Travelling to project locations when required.
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Qualifications and Experience Requirements
Harvard is seeking academically strong candidates with quantitative research skills and a genuine interest in economic development.
Required qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, International Development or a related field.
- Substantial coursework in mathematics and economics.
- Demonstrated academic excellence.
- Proficiency in Stata and experience working with large, complex datasets.
- Strong understanding of econometric methods and randomised controlled trials.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Willingness to undertake international travel.
Additional advantages:
A master’s degree with graduate-level economics and econometrics coursework is preferred. Experience with R, Python or Julia, survey design using Qualtrics, GitHub, remote computing servers and causal-effect estimation will strengthen an application.
Knowledge of French, Arabic or Indonesian is an advantage but is not compulsory.
Eligibility and Application Instructions
The opportunity is suitable for qualified graduates interested in development research, economics, public policy and future doctoral studies.
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Cover letter: Maximum one page, explaining your qualifications and interest in the fellowship.
- Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV highlighting academic achievements, research experience and technical skills.
- Coding sample: Demonstrating data analysis ability using Stata (preferred), R or Python. Remove your name and identifying information from the entire sample.
- Two recommendation letters: Academic references are preferred, although professional references are accepted. Provide referees’ contact details when applying. Letters may follow after submission.
- Academic transcripts: Include transcripts for completed and ongoing degrees. Unofficial copies are accepted.
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted through the J-PAL/IPA Common Application.
Follow these instructions:
- Visit the official application portal.
- Complete the registration process.
- Select the “University-based Data Research Associate” position type.
- Choose “Research Fellow – Harvard CID (Prof. Rema Hanna)”.
- Upload the required application documents.
- Opt in to open recruitment to be considered for similar opportunities across other CID research portfolios and collaborating institutions.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a Stata examination, participate in multiple interviews and provide additional information.
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Application Deadline and Official Link
Deadline: Rolling applications.
There is no fixed closing date specified in Harvard’s official announcement. Applications are reviewed as they are received. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply early.
Official application portal:
https://apply.povertyactionlab.org/
Official Harvard opportunity announcement:
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cid/about-cid/jobs-opportunities
For application enquiries, contact: cidfellowapplications@hks.harvard.ed.
Related Opportunities
Candidates interested in research and international development can explore other opportunities at Harvard, including:
- Harvard Kennedy School Growth Lab Research Fellowships.
- Harvard Center for International Development research opportunities.
- Harvard Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD) Research Fellowships.
Visit Harvard’s official opportunities page for further information.
Final Thoughts
The Harvard Kennedy School Research Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for graduates seeking to build careers in development economics, quantitative research and international public policy. With faculty mentorship, international research exposure and access to Harvard’s academic resources, the position offers an excellent platform for professional and academic development.
Qualified candidates with strong economics, econometrics and Stata skills should consider submitting their applications as early as possible.
