About the Growth Lab & Our Tools
Located at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, the Growth Lab works to understand the dynamics of economic growth and to translate those insights into more effective policy making in developing countries. The Lab disrupts the conventional research setup by embedding a diverse software Digital Development & Design team alongside faculty and fellows, to build open-access web applications that translate and disseminate the Growth Lab’s cutting-edge economic research to improve the livelihoods of people on a global scale. We believe that user-friendly software can be a vital channel to effectively interpret complex concepts and to better understand the world.

The Growth Lab’s Viz Hub, is an online portfolio of data analysis and visualization platforms built in-house by the Digital Development & Design team.  Our flagship platform, The Atlas of Economic Complexity, delivers the ability to discover new economic growth opportunities for every country. Our award-winning platform, Metroverse, allows users to explore urban growth opportunities for over 1000 worldwide.  In addition to these tools, the team has built over 30 additional software products, prototypes and digital storytelling features. Our digital tools have been cited in major media outlets and are relied upon across the Harvard community and by policymakers, journalists, and leaders in international development.

As a front-end developer you’ll have the best of both worlds: all the benefits of being part of a world-class research institution combined with the autonomy and agility of a small, growing software team.
General Responsibilities

In this role you will be tasked with building, enhancing, and maintaining the front-end codebase of our flagship tools, The Atlas of Economic Complexity and Metroverse. These tools are built with React, TypeScript, and GraphQL and require proficiency in these frameworks. Responsibilities will include:

• Leading the front-end development of major Atlas and Metroverse data visualizations and UI/UX components within large, existing codebases
• Leading aspects of quality standard development and testing that promotes code that is reliable, readable, maintainable, well-documented
• Collaborating closely with design, backend and product team members to scope new feature requests and articulate relevant trade-offs
• Participating in various phases of feature development, including requirements analysis, design, testing, brainstorming and sprint planning meetings
• Executing technical troubleshooting and bug fixes
• Maintaining up-to-date documentation for all relevant front-end aspects
• Helping to optimize our Google Analytic

You will also work with a wide assortment of interesting data sets to build brand new, innovative tools at the Lab.  This will involve responsibilities such as:

• Leading the development of front-end frameworks and standards that adhere with the Growth Lab’s high performance standards and design aesthetic
• Building custom and dynamic web-based data visualizations
• Planning and accommodating for various mediums, screen sizes and device types
• Occasionally presenting aspects of your work at staff meetings and Harvard events

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experienc

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• At least 2 years of active React development experience through academics and/or previous employment positions
• Demonstrated experience using modern HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Demonstrated experience building interactive data visualizations

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with GraphQL and/or REST API frameworks
• Experience with TypeScript, Node, and command line
• Strong understanding of browser rendering behaviours and performance, including mobile development best practices
• Familiarity with source code control systems for collaboration (GitFlow, Github Flow or similar)
• Awareness of website accessibility standards
• Ability to proactively confront ambiguity with good judgment and mature problem-solving skills
• Excited to explore and learn new technologies and innovative practices in data visualization development
• Experience working within an Agile software development cycle
• Comfortable and willing to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Interested in economic and social development issues

Salary Range: $74,200 – $126,200

Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Working Conditions

This a hybrid position and we can consider candidates who want to work primarily remote, with the expectation to be able to come to our campus in Cambridge, MA 2-3 times per month for meetings and events.Work is performed in an office setting

Please note: As part of the interview process, applicants should be prepared to undertake an online technical challenge and demo samples of personal or professional work that best demonstrates relevant capabilities.

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.

Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.  The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.