Special Projects Research Assistant, ASML

Part-time, 20-30 hours per week based on availability
Summer 2025 (June 1 - August 31), with opportunities to renew for Fall 2025

The Applied Social Media Lab (ASML) is a new initiative of Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. Our two-year mission is to build social media solutions that center the public interest. We are a team of industry-trained technologists to work with experts from academia and civil society to build new software, protocols, and designs to foster healthier human connections. Teams of industry-trained engineers, designers, and product managers work in flexible pods organized around key challenges and opportunities such as transparency and governance, decentralized networks, online safety, and healthy discourse.

We are seeking a Special Projects (Non-Technical) Research Assistant to support our product building and R&D endeavors. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful research in the realm of social media and public interest technology, working alongside a dedicated team at the forefront of societal impact.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to gather relevant information for ongoing research projects
• Assist in collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to support research initiatives
• Prepare detailed reports, summaries, and presentations based on research findings to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
• Collaborate with team members to coordinate special projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to project goals.
• Provide administrative assistance, including scheduling meetings, organizing project materials, and maintaining records.
• Assist in engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and industry partners, to foster collaboration and gather diverse perspectives.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in social sciences, humanities, public policy, or any other related field.
• Experience in conducting literature reviews, data collection, and qualitative or quantitative analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Keen attention to detail in research and documentation tasks.
• Willingness to adapt to evolving project needs and take initiative in a dynamic research setting.
• Basic proficiency in research software tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with social media platforms and related research topics
• Experience in coordinating projects or events
• Experience in product design and management
• Experience with UX and UI design is a plus, but not required

Additional Information:

• This position is currently hybrid: we hold offices on the Harvard Law School campus, but we also have team members across the country in different zip codes. Therefore, we are open to remote-only and hybrid opportunities.
• If you are remote-only, you must be located in the United States in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, or Washington state from June-August. Otherwise you are not eligible for this opportunity. If you reside in/relocate to one of the eligible states, even if just for the full period of summer internship employment, this would satisfy this part of the hiring requirement. Please note that relocation expenses are not covered.
• If you are an international student studying at a U.S. institution and qualify for CPT or OPT, you should be in touch with the relevant administrative office responsible for handling CPT and OPT employment considerations at your home institution. We have been able to hire summer interns in the past with CPT or OPT. Selected internship applicants who make it to the hiring stage must work with their host institution and Harvard’s International Office to declare their status.
• To be eligible for this position, you must be an enrolled college or graduate student. High school students are not eligible for this opportunity.
• Compensation is the standard rate for Harvard students in RA positions of $21/hour.
• We do not have the ability to provide authorization to work in the U.S. No other benefits are provided.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: Harvard University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

To Apply:

Please fill out the following application form with your current CV or resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest and experience as well as your approximate availability (hours per week). Applicants may be considered for additional roles and skill sets. All applications will be considered on a rolling basis until filled.