Senior Data Scientist

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that

advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,

inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and

expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming

environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is

one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university.

Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and

leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe,

free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge

research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct

interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public

problems that no other institution can match. When you work at

Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Job Description

The Shorenstein Center seeks a full-time Senior Data Scientist with

a background in computational social science to lead the technical

design and analysis for a new research project examining how

individuals navigate the online environment, starting with voter

registration and voting information. The project integrates

large-scale behavioral web browsing data and survey data to map

digital information pathways and assess their association with

civic participation outcomes.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Senior Data Scientist will play a central role in developing

systems to identify voting-related search behavior, classify web

domains (e.g., government, nonprofit, media, social media,

political actors), and model navigation pathways across digital

environments. Responsibilities include building and managing secure

research datasets; designing query detection and URL classification

pipelines; conducting large-scale behavioral sequence analysis; and

integrating behavioral data with survey and administrative records

for statistical modeling.

The position requires close collaboration with social scientists,

survey researchers, engineers, and external partners. The Senior

Data Scientist will contribute to research design, methodological

development, statistical analysis, and co-authorship of reports and

academic publications. This role is both technical and strategic,

requiring independent leadership in data architecture and analytic

execution.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

At least 5 years of related experience and a doctoral degree in

computer science, data science, statistics, information science,

computational social science, or a related field. Demonstrated

experience working with large-scale behavioral or digital trace

data. Strong proficiency in Python (required) and experience with

statistical modeling in R or similar environments. Experience

designing data pipelines and managing complex research

datasets.

Complete applications must include: Cover letter sharing why

you are interested in this role, including examples/links to work

or projects you feel are relevant or you are particular proud

of.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Experience with large-scale datasets such as search data, web

browsing data, clickstream analysis, or network traffic strongly

preferred. Familiarity with domain classification, natural language

processing, or query detection methods is desirable. Experience

integrating behavioral data with survey or administrative datasets

is a plus. Strong statistical modeling skills, including regression

and causal inference methods for observational data.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in

interdisciplinary research teams. Experience contributing to

academic publications or policy reports. Clear and concise written

communication skills, particularly in explaining data methods and

findings to non-technical audiences. Interest in civic information,

election administration, or democratic participation is highly

desirable.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible

term appointment, ending one year from date of hire, with the

possibility of renewal.

• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is

unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that

some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively

performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location

will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon

operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or

Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must

work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the

University’s Policy on

Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will

be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and

funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work

location sponsorship requirements prior to e