APPLY: https://forms.gle/LJte5Z86AjTxqk4P8
Join the Rebooting Social Media Institute (RSM) and Applied Social Media Lab (ASML) teams! We are looking for research assistants (RAs) with fresh ideas, curiosity, and creative drive. When applying, candidates can choose between roles with various expectations. RSM RAs will support the incoming cohort of Visiting Scholars as they work on projects and writing related to social media’s most urgent problems, including mis/disinformation, social media governance, reparative social media, and bridging algorithms. ASML RAs will collaborate with ASML staff members in software engineering, identifying technical synergies and proposing innovative ideas that could shape the future of social media.
About Rebooting Social Media
The Institute for Rebooting Social Media (RSM) is a three-year, “pop-up” research initiative at the Berkman Klein Center to accelerate progress toward addressing social media’s most urgent problems. By working with academia, industry, and the public, RSM works to research, promote, and create healthier online ecosystems. More information can be found here: https://rebootingsocialmedia.org
About the Applied Social Media Lab
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.
Responsibilities
RAs typically work between 10-20 hours per week, depending on their role and availability, and may be expected to join weekly progress meetings. RAs will assist with literature reviews, document reviews, and collaborate with RSM Visiting Scholars and ASML team to support ongoing projects. Responsibilities include attending progress meetings, synthesizing research, and creating summaries to share within the RSM/ASML communities.
Applicant Qualities and Roles
Research Assistantships are an excellent opportunity for students to apply their skills while learning or developing new research skills. RAs are not expected to master any of the skills listed in the roles below. Instead, successful applicants should demonstrate a strong motivation to understand the social media landscape and address its problems.
Eligibility/Other information
The positions are hybrid. In-person attendance at specific events throughout the semester may be required.
To be eligible for this position, you must be an enrolled student at a Harvard School.
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.
Required Materials for All Applicants Include
A current resume or CV.
A brief cover letter describing your skills, interests, and what brought you to Berkman Klein Center.
Application Link: https://forms.gle/LJte5Z86AjTxqk4P8
Applicants may be considered for additional roles.
Role #1 – Software Engineer Graduate Research Assistant, ASML
As a Software Engineer Graduate RA, you will play a key role in designing, building, and testing new social media infrastructure. You’ll work with programming languages such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Dart, Python, Rust, or Go to develop innovative solutions that integrate ASML technology into the broader tech ecosystem.
Basic Qualifications:
-Pursuing a graduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or having relevant work experience.
-Experience and/or interest in mobile or web development. Experience with React Native or Flutter is a plus.
-Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: TypeScript, JavaScript, Dart, Python, Rust, or Go.
-The ability to tackle open-ended problems and navigate ambiguous challenges independently and as part of a team.
-Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred (but not required):
-Experience developing mobile applications using Flutter and deploying them on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
-Experience with open protocols, such as OAuth, OpenID, ActivityPub, XMPP, AT Protocol, DSNP, Matrix, Nostr, Solid, or Beckn.
-Experience with machine learning techniques or processes, including prompt-based learning, fine-tuning, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and inference.
-Familiarity with decentralized systems, peer-to-peer networking, applied cryptography or related technologies, such as Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), DIDComm, verifiable credentials, end-to-end encryption protocols, and zero-knowledge proof systems
Role #2 – Qualitative Researcher RA, RSM (collapsable)
As a Qualitative Research RA, you will contribute to social media research by reading and coding qualitative data from interviews and assisting with event organization. This role may include support for literature reviews, coordinating events, and helping synthesize research findings across the Institute’s and/or Visiting Scholar’s project(s).
Basic Qualifications
-Ability to read and qualitatively code interviews.
-Experience with content analysis.
-Experience with survey data collection, interview transcription, and software used to handle qualitative data.
-Excellent analytical and writing skills.
-Experience coordinating events or meetings.
Role #3 Quantitative Researcher RA, RSM
Quantitative Research RAs will focus on surveys, experiments, and data analysis related to misinformation, fact-checking, and social media governance. You’ll assist in designing and conducting studies that explore the implications of misinformation on public discourse.
Basic Qualifications:
-Experience with online survey design and data collection.
-Strong analytical and writing skills, with an interest in misinformation and online trust.
Preferred (but not required):
-Research interest in Misinformation.
-Experience in conducting and designing online surveys and research experiments
-Experience using Qualtrics and/or SPSS.
Role #4 – Legal/Policy RA, RSM
As a Legal/Policy Research Assistant, you will contribute to the legal and policy aspects of social media governance. This includes conducting legal research, summarizing regulatory discussions, and supporting event coordination on internet policy topics. This role is ideal for students interested in the intersection of law, technology, and social media.
Basic Qualifications
-Pursuing JD, SJD, or LLM.
-Experience in legal research and policy analysis/programming
-Interest in internet policy and online content moderation.
-An understanding of current issues in online speech and trust & safety from either a technical or policy/legal perspective.
-Mention in your cover letter interest in working with either