Research Associate (Writing Focused)

Harvard University • Boston, MA

6d • 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 an 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. Specific faculty hiring include Alison Wood Brooks, Fritz Foley, Reza Satchu, Matthew Weinzierl, and Rawi Abdelal. The role involves working with professors on various projects including cases, podcasts, book projects, and research on specific sectors like the space sector or the geopolitics of energy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Prior experience supporting short form writing and website project management preferred.
• Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is helpful.
• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• 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.
• Russian-language proficiency (for Professor Abdelal's role).
• Strong interest in international political economy, energy, or Eurasian affairs (for Professor Abdelal's role).

Nice To Haves

• Dynamic people skills that will enable you to engage with industry leaders (for Prof. Weinzierl's role).
• Self-starter with ambitious goals for your future in space (for Prof. Weinzierl's role).

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