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

Harvard University • Boston, MA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard Business School is hiring multiple Predoctoral Research Associates to support faculty in academic units across the School, 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 may cover topics such as labor and marketing economics, finance, digital platforms, innovation, behavioral economics, organizational economics, climate change, gender diversity, and technology strategy. Specific projects and methods vary by faculty supervisor. Some faculty projects involve large-scale field experiments, partnerships with companies, administrative data, and empirical or theoretical research. The role reports directly to faculty supervisors and an administrative manager in Research Staff Services. The position calls for independence, intellectual curiosity, discretion, and the ability to work with faculty and colleagues on-site. Appointments are one-year terms beginning in Summer 2027 and running through June 30, 2028, subject to funding and performance, with potential renewal or extension. Faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years. The schedule is 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid role based at Harvard Business School’s Boston campus, with staff expected to work on-site at least three days each week; specific days and hours depend on business needs. A cover letter is required. Candidates must also submit a writing sample, transcript, and code sample for review by an HBS statistician. Harvard does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5.
• Evidence of independent research in a specific advanced field of study.
• Ability to read academic and subject-specific material and produce reasoned, thoughtful analysis and creative interpretation.
• High standards for work quality, attention to detail, strong organization, 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 independently and exercise discretionary judgment.
• A cover letter, writing sample, transcript, and code sample are required as application materials.

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.
• Willingness to commit for two years, which faculty strongly prefer.
• Experience with statistical packages and data tools such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB, and experience with NLP are relevant to the research duties.

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, and policy memos from start to finish, creating original writing based on subject expertise, research, and interviews; write articles for relevant business audiences such as Harvard Business Review.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and statistical packages; perform statistical programming, including work involving 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 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