Research Associate (Writing Focused)

Harvard University • Boston, MA

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard Business School seeks multiple Research Associates (RA) to support faculty members on writing / content focused work. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of business topics and prior writing experience. The Research Associate (RA) position reports directly to faculty supervisors and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal RA candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment. The faculty currently hiring include: Joshua Margolis, Fritz Foley, Frances Frei, Jonas Heese and Aiyesha Dey (paired together), and Yuan Zou. Professor Yuan Zou is seeking a half-time Research Associate to support case writing and course development needs for the spring 2027 Business Analysis and Valuation elective course in the MBA program. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of core accounting principles and financial statements, as well as excellent writing skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is helpful.
• The candidate must have extremely high standards in terms of quality of work, attention to detail, strong organization skills, and absolute commitment to task completion.
• Must be able to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary.
• It is helpful if the candidate is familiar with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.
• Prior experience supporting short form writing and website project management preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge in finance, strong writing and research skills, along with the ability to conduct statistical analysis on firm profitability data (for Professor Foley's book project).
• Prior writing experience and an interest in business management (for Professors Heese and Dey's book project).
• Strong understanding of core accounting principles and financial statements, as well as excellent writing skills (for Professor Zou's case writing and course development).
• Familiarity with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.
• Prior experience supporting short form writing and website project management.

Responsibilities

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda.
• Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty member.
• Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to faculty’s research agenda.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, and drafts for a book project from start to finish creating original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews, and write articles for applicable business audiences such as Harvard Business Review.
• Under general direction of faculty member, must be able to take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations.
• Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for 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