Predoctoral Research Associate (Summer 2027)

Harvard University • Boston, MA

23d • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard Business School is hiring multiple Predoctoral Research Associates starting in Summer 2027 to support faculty 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 may span labor and marketing economics, private equity and venture capital, decision-making, digital platforms, financial technologies, political economy, innovation, climate change, gender diversity, behavioral economics, and technology strategy.

Associates work under the general direction of HBS faculty and report directly to faculty supervisors and an administrative manager in Research Staff Services. The role calls for independence, intellectual curiosity, sound discretionary judgment, and the ability to translate complex research concepts and methods into new projects. Associates conduct research from project design through analysis and publication, contribute subject-area expertise and interpretation, and may produce original writing for academic and business audiences.

The position is a one-year term appointment beginning in Summer 2027, with the appointment running through June 30, 2028 and possible renewal or extension subject to funding and performance. Faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to make a two-year commitment. The schedule is 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid position based at Harvard Business School’s Boston campus; staff are expected to be onsite at least three days per week, with specific hours and onsite days determined by 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.
• Very high standards for work quality, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and commitment to task completion.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines and at an accelerated pace when necessary.
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence, intellectual curiosity, and discretionary judgment.
• Ability to apply complex research concepts and methodologies to new projects and situations.

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.
• Experience with requested statistical packages, data science, statistical programming, and NLP.
• A willingness to commit for two years is strongly preferred by faculty.

Responsibilities

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on research 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, including Harvard Business Review, using research, interviews, and subject-area expertise.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and statistical packages; perform statistical programming and apply NLP experience.
• Manage and manipulate data using requested packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations and remain aware of applicable policies, including potential outside research policies.
• Apply complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies to new projects and situations; structure assignments and keep faculty informed using independent judgment.
• Build trust and collaboration by working onsite 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