Research Associate (Quantitative), Division of Research and Faculty Development

Harvard University • Boston, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard Business School is hiring Research Associates to support faculty research on business topics, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, the future of work, and U.S. competitiveness. The role reports directly to faculty supervisors and an administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. It calls for independence, intellectual curiosity, discretionary judgment, and the ability to apply subject-area expertise to complex research questions.

Research Associates provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation; develop and carry out data-driven research; and produce original written work such as cases, case supplements, project reports, policy memos, and articles for business audiences. They manage and analyze data using statistical and programming tools, including STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB, and perform statistical programming. The position is hybrid, based at Harvard Business School’s Boston campus, with staff expected to be onsite at least three days per week. These are term appointments beginning in summer 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, with an expectation of reappointment through June 30, 2028, subject to funding and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5.
• Ability to read academic and subject-specific material, write thoughtful analysis, and produce creative interpretations.
• Ability to complete work with general direction, use discretionary judgment, and manage assignments independently.
• Ability to meet high standards for 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.

Nice To Haves

• Proven evidence of independent research in a 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.
• Familiarity with navigating a complex organization such as Harvard Business School.
• Experience with statistical packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB and with NLP.

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, and identify and explore questions related to faculty research.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, policy memos, and articles for applicable business audiences, based on research, interviews, and subject-area expertise.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and statistical packages.
• Perform statistical programming and research 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 policies.
• Apply complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies to new projects and situations; structure assignments and keep faculty informed using independent 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level