Research Assistant for the Leadership Team of the Berkman Klein Center

PAID OPPORTUNITY FOR HARVARD STUDENTS 

The new Executive Director of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Sue Hendrickson, and the Managing Director, Elisabeth Sylvan, are looking to hire entrepreneurial research assistants for the spring semester to support their leadership of the Center and the Center’s engagement on a broad range of initiatives relating to the rapidly evolving relationship between the Internet, technology and society.  

Ideal candidates will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, versatility, the ability to quickly develop expertise in unfamiliar subjects, wide-ranging interests, excellent verbal and writing skills, and the desire to influence public policy and interdisciplinary dialogue on next-generation issues involving technology.  

The RAs would assist on a range of projects and programmatic activities in furtherance of the mission of the Center.  The specific topics and activities will evolve over time with the projects of the Center and leadership team.  Early topic areas are likely to include research, analysis and programmatic activities on the intersection of Internet freedom; post-COVID educational innovation at Harvard and beyond; technology & human rights; responsible business practices in the technology sector; societal implications of AI models increasingly capable of imitating human interaction; and other evolving issues at the intersection of law, policy, and technology. Follow these links to learn more about BKC, Elisabeth Sylvan, and Sue Hendrickson’s background and appointment.

Please note that to be eligible for this position, you must be an enrolled Harvard student. 

Responsibilities: 

For this position, you will be working directly with the Executive and Managing Director and collaboratively with others at the Center.  RAs typically work between 5-14 hours per week, depending on their availability and will be expected to attend a weekly progress meeting. Your role is anticipated to include work on a variety of topic areas and may include: 

Analyzing informational materials across multiple media

Preparing policy-style briefing materials, slides, blog posts or other written outputs

Assisting with the analysis of survey data and stakeholder input

Participating in and writing up meetings with collaborators and stakeholders on various topics

Assisting with the design, development and production of a technology podcast series

Supporting the planning and execution of programs and convenings of academics, technology leaders, civil society organizations and government officials at the Berkman Klein Center. 

Benefits/Other Information: 

This position is currently remote. 

As noted previously, to be eligible for this position, you must be a currently enrolled student at Harvard University.

The time commitment would not exceed 20 hours per week. Often, individuals work from about five to 14 hours per week. 

Compensation is the standard rate for Harvard students in RA positions of $20.00hour. 

We do not have the ability to provide authorization to work in the U.S. 

No other benefits are provided. 

The ideal start date is mid-February. 

To Apply: Please send your current CV or resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest and experience including any background or interest in the topical areas described above to leadershipteamra@cyber.harvard.edu with “Application for Research Assistant for the Leadership Team of the Berkman Klein Center” in the subject line.