The Shift Project welcomes current Harvard and UCB graduate students to get involved with the Shift Project by attending our monthly workshop, which provides a deep dive into research on work, labor standards, and the intersection of jobs and wellbeing.
For more information on ongoing projects, please subscribe to our newsletter. Additionally, if you’re interested in joining our monthly workshop series, feel free to email the Program Manager.
Currently, 10 graduate students are actively involved in our research. To learn more about their profiles and research interests, visit the “Graduate Student Researchers” section on our Team page.
Applications are currently open for an RA opportunity on strategic enforcement of labor standards.
Professors Daniel Schneider (HKS) and David Weil (Brandeis University / HKS) are recruiting 1-2 HKS MPP research assistants for the Spring 2026 semester to support data collection and analysis for a project that helps U.S. state labor enforcement agencies use data to more strategically deploy their limited investigative and compliance resources. The incumbent will work to source novel data on business characteristics as well as contribute to analysis of Paid Sick Leave need and usage to inform enforcement in New York City. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research and to work closely with leading experts in the field.
The position is well suited for MPP students interested in labor policy, worker rights, and survey-based quantitative research, and in collaborating with external enforcement agencies.
– Current HKS MPP student for Spring 2026
– Strong quantitative analysis and data reasoning skills
– Experience using Stata, R, or Python (please describe your experience in the application)
– High attention to detail and ability to work independently and navigate ambiguity
– Strong writing and interpersonal skills
Experience with survey data, labor or social policy research, or collaboration with government agencies is a plus but not required.
– Position runs during the Spring 2026 semester
– Expected time commitment: 10 hours per week
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning one week after the posting date.
To apply, please send an email to shiftproject@hks.harvard.edu with the subject line: “SE RA Application” followed by your first and last name (e.g., “SE RA Application – Jane Doe”). Attach the following as a single PDF:
– CV
– Cover letter / statement of interest
– Brief writing sample related to the project’s research areas