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 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 areas may include labor economics, marketing economics, private equity and venture capital, decision-making, industrial organization, digital platforms, media economics, financial technologies, political economy, corporate finance, innovation, climate change, gender diversity, asset pricing, behavioral economics, and technology strategy. Associates work under the general direction of HBS faculty and report directly to faculty supervisors and the administrative manager in Research Staff Services. The position calls for independence, intellectual curiosity, discretionary judgment, and the ability to contribute subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation. Associates may develop research questions, write cases and related materials, conduct and analyze research, and manage data using statistical and data-science tools. This is a hybrid position based at the HBS campus in Boston, Massachusetts. Staff are expected to work onsite at least three days per week, with the schedule and onsite days determined by departmental needs. The role is 40 hours per week. The appointment is a one-year term beginning in Summer 2027 and running through June 30, 2028, with a possibility of renewal or extension subject to funding and performance. Faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years. Harvard cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position. A cover letter, writing sample, transcript, and code sample are required for consideration.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5.
- Evidence of independent research in a specific advanced field of study.
- High standards of work quality, 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 independently, use discretionary judgment, and apply complex research concepts and methodologies to new situations.
- A cover letter, writing sample, transcript, and code sample are required for consideration.
- Must meet work-location sponsorship requirements and work from a Harvard-registered state when working away from a Harvard or Harvard-designated location.
Nice To Haves
- Prior high-quality, original academic writing.
- Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature.
- Ability to read academic, subject-specific material and produce reasoned analysis and creative interpretation.
- 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 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 members, and identify and explore questions related to their research agendas.
- Write cases, case supplements, project reports, policy memos, and articles for relevant business audiences, using subject expertise, research, and interviews.
- 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 packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
- Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations and remain aware of applicable 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 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
