Predoctoral Research Associate (Summer 2027), Division of Research and Faculty Development
About The Position
Harvard Business School is hiring multiple Predoctoral Research Associates starting in Summer 2027 to support faculty in a range of academic units. Research topics may include labor economics, marketing, private equity and venture capital, decision-making, digital platforms, media economics, financial technology, corporate finance, innovation, entrepreneurship, climate change and gender diversity, behavioral economics, and technology strategy. The specific projects and duties will depend on the assigned faculty member. One listed faculty opportunity is part-time and focused on consumer behavior, including literature reviews, experimental design, and analysis in R. The role reports directly to faculty supervisors and an administrative manager in Research Staff Services. Associates work with faculty on research central to HBS’s agenda, providing subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation, and identifying questions for investigation. They may develop and conduct research, program statistical analyses, manage data, and produce original writing, including cases, case supplements, project reports, policy memos, and articles for business audiences. The position calls for independence, intellectual curiosity, discretionary judgment, strong organization, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Associates must apply complex research concepts and methods to new projects, keep faculty informed, and collaborate with colleagues and other constituents. This is a hybrid position based at the Boston campus, with staff expected to work onsite at least three days per week. The appointment is a one-year term beginning in Summer 2027 and running through June 30, 2028, with possible renewal or extension; faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5.
- Evidence of independent research in an advanced field of study.
- Ability to read academic and subject-specific material and produce thoughtful analysis and creative interpretation.
- Very high standards for work quality, attention to detail, organization, and task completion.
- Ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines and at an accelerated pace when necessary.
- Ability to work independently and exercise discretionary judgment.
Nice To Haves
- Prior high-quality, original academic writing.
- Background analyzing and interpreting relevant data, research, news, and literature.
- Familiarity with navigating a complex organization such as Harvard Business School.
- Familiarity with requested statistical packages and data science methods; experience with NLP is mentioned among the duties.
- Willingness to commit for two years, which faculty strongly prefer.
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, and identify and explore research questions.
- Write cases, case supplements, project reports, policy memos, and articles for relevant business audiences, using research, interviews, and subject-area expertise.
- 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 packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
- Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations and remain aware of relevant institutional and outside research policies.
- Apply complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies to new projects and situations; structure assignments and keep faculty informed using sound 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 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
