Predoctoral Research Associate (Summer 2026) - Economics and Accounting

Harvard University • Boston, MA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard Business School (HBS) is seeking multiple Predoctoral Research Associates starting in Summer 2026 to support assigned faculty members. The position reports directly to faculty supervisors and an administrative manager. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment. The role involves working under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda, providing subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation. It also includes developing, designing, conducting, analyzing, and implementing research using data science knowledge and statistical programming, with experience in NLP being beneficial. Candidates will manage and manipulate data using packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB, and ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations. The role requires the ability to apply complex research ideas to new projects, structure assignments, and keep faculty informed. Building trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues is also a responsibility. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Proven evidence of independent research in specific advanced field of study.
• Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing.
• Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is helpful.
• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• Extremely high standards in terms of quality of work, attention to detail, strong organization skills, and absolute commitment to task completion.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary.
• Experience with NLP.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.

Responsibilities

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda.
• Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty member.
• Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to faculty’s research agenda.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and prior knowledge of requested statistical packages.
• Perform statistical programming.
• Manage and manipulate data using requested packages, such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations.
• Complete work with only general direction.
• Be aware of department, School, University policies and potential outside research policies.
• Take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations.
• Structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for 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