Research Associate (Writing Focused)

Harvard University • Boston, MA

10d • 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. Specific faculty hiring include: Alison Wood Brooks, Fritz Foley (supporting a book project on the role of CFO in organizations, requiring finance knowledge, strong writing/research skills, and statistical analysis ability), Jonas Heese and Aiyesha Dey (supporting a book project on corporate fraud, requiring prior writing experience and interest in business management), Reza Satchu (working on cases, podcasts, and a book project exploring entrepreneurial decision-making and value creation), and Matthew Weinzierl (supporting research in the space sector, requiring interest in the space sector, people skills for engaging industry leaders, and self-starter ambition).

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.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge in finance
• Strong writing and research skills
• Ability to conduct statistical analysis on firm profitability data
• Interest in business management
• Interest in building a career in the space sector
• Dynamic people skills that will enable you to engage with industry leaders
• Self-starter with ambitious goals for your future in space

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