Research Associate, Data Scientist, Academic

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.

Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Harvard Business School seeks multiple Research Associate (RA) to support faculty members on either
1) quantitative or
2) writing focused work starting ASAP this winter. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of business topics, such as computer science and finance, and experience with either quantitative or qualitative work through coursework, extracurriculars, or work experience.

The Research Associate (RA) position reports directly to faculty supervisors and the 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.

• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda. Provide subject‑area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty members. Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to faculty’s research agenda.
• For writing focused roles: 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.
• For quantitative focused roles: develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and prior knowledge of requested statistical packages. Perform statistical programming.
• Under general direction of faculty member, take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations. Structure assignments and keep faculty members informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• For writing focused roles: prior experience supporting short‑form writing and website project management preferred.
• For quantitative roles: computer science degree with prior experience in JavaScript 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.

Appointment End Date: June 30, 2026. This is a part‑time term appointment…