Predoctoral Research Associate (Summer 2027), Division of Research and Faculty Development

Harvard University • Boston, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard Business School is hiring multiple Predoctoral Research Associates beginning in Summer 2027 to support faculty research in academic units including Accounting & Management, Business, Government and the International Economy, Entrepreneurial Management, Finance, General Management, Marketing, Negotiation Organizations & Markets, Organizational Behavior, Strategy, and Technology and Operations Management. Research topics vary by faculty and may include labor economics, marketing, private equity and venture capital, decision-making, digital platforms, financial technology, corporate finance, innovation, climate change, gender diversity, behavioral economics, and technology strategy.

Associates work under the general direction of an assigned faculty member and report directly to faculty supervisors and the administrative manager in Research Staff Services. The role involves developing and conducting research, analyzing and interpreting data, writing research-related materials, and applying subject-area knowledge to new questions and projects. Associates are expected to work independently, use discretionary judgment, organize assignments, and keep faculty informed. The position also requires building trust and collaboration through regular on-site engagement with colleagues and constituents.

These are one-year term appointments starting in Summer 2027 and running through June 30, 2028, with possible renewal or extension based on funding and performance. Faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years. The position is 40 hours per week and hybrid, with staff expected to work on-site at the Boston campus at least three days per week. Specific hours and on-site days are set according to business needs. Harvard does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5.
• Proven evidence of independent research in a specific advanced field of study.
• Ability to read academic and subject-specific information and produce reasoned, thoughtful analysis and creative interpretation.
• Extremely high standards for work quality and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to completing tasks.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines and at an accelerated pace when necessary.
• Ability to work with a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and discretionary judgment.
• A cover letter is required.
• Applicants must submit a writing sample, transcript, and code sample for review by an HBS statistician.

Nice To Haves

• Prior high-quality original academic writing.
• Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature.
• Familiarity with navigating a complex organization such as Harvard Business School.
• Familiarity with statistical packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB and experience with NLP.
• Willingness to commit for two years; faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to do so.

Responsibilities

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to the School’s research agenda.
• Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation to faculty, and identify and explore questions related to faculty research.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, policy memos, and articles for relevant business audiences, based on expertise, research, and interviews.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and statistical packages.
• Perform statistical programming, including work involving natural language processing (NLP).
• Manage and manipulate data using requested packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations and be aware of applicable University and outside research policies.
• Apply complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies to new projects and situations; structure assignments and keep the faculty member informed using independent judgment.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with University contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level