Research Assistant

Harvard University • San Mateo, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The California Research Center (CRC) at Harvard Business School (HBS) is seeking an intellectually curious, organized, and highly collaborative Research Assistant to support its research team. This role is ideal for an early-career individual eager to learn, willing to contribute wherever needed, and comfortable supporting case-study development through research, proofreading, editing, formatting, and other content-related tasks. The position also involves project coordination, administrative duties, presentations, events, and other school-facing projects. The CRC connects HBS with the West Coast business community, focusing on faculty research, case study development, and facilitating connections with business leaders and organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, or another field emphasizing rigorous analytical and qualitative work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret financial and other business information and synthesize qualitative insights.
• Demonstrable knowledge of developments and trends in business and technology.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Comfort working collaboratively on a team and taking initiative when priorities shift.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and sound judgment regarding their appropriate use.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for case studies, academic materials, and other CRC deliverables.
• Conduct research on companies, industries, technologies, business models, and markets.
• Identify, gather, and evaluate information from financial, industry, news, company, and archival sources.
• Synthesize research findings into clear summaries, background materials, timelines, company profiles, and other materials for use by senior team members.
• Fact-check and verify information, citations, financial figures, and other details in case studies and related materials.
• Proofread, copyedit, format, and quality-check written materials, presentations, and research deliverables.
• Stay current on business and technology news and develop familiarity with the companies, industries, and management topics relevant to CRC projects.
• Support CRC staff on multiple projects at different stages of development.
• Track assigned tasks, timelines, deliverables, and follow-up items.
• Organize and maintain project files, research materials, databases, and citations.
• Schedule interviews and meetings and assist with related preparation and follow-up.
• Provide general administrative and ad hoc support to the CRC team.
• Support alumni outreach and CRC events and programs.
• Coordinate event logistics, including venues, invitations, RSVPs, catering, materials, and expenses, and help ensure that programs are executed smoothly and professionally.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various 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