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Summer Research Assistant FAQ

Will you interview me for a position?

While we would love to talk with all applicants, we will only be contacting selected candidates for interviews.

When will I know whether or not I’m selected for an interview?

We move through our review as comprehensively and thoughtfully as possible. We expect to begin contacting selected candidates as soon as we can. We do not have a specific date by which this will happen. Please know that we are working as fast and mindfully as we can, and very much appreciate your patience.

May I call or email you to find out more information about the status of my application?

We are carefully reviewing each application and are working to keep the highly dynamic review process moving forward. So that we can focus our energy on the review and on getting answers back to you, please do not call or email me or the Center to get information about the status of your application. We will not be able to provide a status update for you.

What if I want two positions equally, or what if I am interested in more than two?

You need to choose which position you are the most interested in and apply to that position first. Should you decide to apply for a second position, it will be understood that that position is your second priority. You can apply to a maximum of two positions.

What if I am not a student?

These opportunities are geared towards undergraduate and graduate students, but you do not need to be a student in order to apply.

Do you want letters of recommendation?

No thank you!

Are these jobs benefits-eligible?

No, there is no benefits package associated with these roles.

When will I know if I am not selected as a Research Assistant?

All applicants - those we select, and those we're unfortunately unable to - will be notified when we have finalized our selection process.

Are the dates of these positions fixed?

The dates will be approximately the beginning of June through mid-August, 2022, though these dates may vary depending on project needs and candidate availability.

I am interested in applying but will not be located in the US in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, or Maryland June-August 2021. Am I eligible?

You are unfortunately not eligible for this summer's RA opportunities, at this time we can only hire people who will be working remotely from within the US, from any one of the following states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, or Maryland.

May I volunteer as a Research Assistant with the Berkman Center for the summer?

We do not work with volunteers for projects in the same way we work with Research Assistants, however you can still engage the Center in other ways. Please sign up for our weekly newsletter, the Berkman Klein Buzz, to learn more about events and research coming from the Center that may be of interest to you.

Am I eligible to be selected for an internship if I’m an international student studying at a U.S. institution and qualify for CPT or OPT?

If this is relevant to you, 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.