Research Associate, Data Scientist, Research Scientist

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 (HBS) seeks multiple Research Associates to support faculty members focused on a variety of research methodologies, such as experimental design, analysis, coding, IRB, and data analysis in topics ranging from digital reskilling to marketing focused research in consumer behavior. These are immediate hire opportunities. The Research Associates (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.
• Develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques.
• For quantitative roles, researchers will manage and manipulate data using requested packages, such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• For behavioral roles, researchers will manage and manipulate data using qualitative research tools, such as Qualtrics and MTurk, and will also manage IRB submissions.
• Collect, clean, synthesize, and analyze data. Produce statistical models. Provide analysis of data exhibits for academic journal articles. Provide statistical analysis and design for reports and presentations.
• Develop, synthesize and provide analysis of literature reviews. May also provide analysis, editing, and drafts for academic journal articles, HBS cases and HBS teaching notes.
• Balance project requests from multiple faculty members, using strong communication and prioritization skills. Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• Independently manage all timelines and deliverables. Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or business‑related field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher is required.
• Statistical/programming experience and/or applied experience with Python, STATA, R, or MATLAB are required.
• Behavioral roles require familiarity with qualitative coding and research methods, including tools like Qualtrics and MTurk.

• Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience.
• Methodological interests in econometrics, statistics, machine learning, industrial organization, productivity, and economic theory are preferred.
• Must be able to take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations.
• Ability to use own judgement, structure assignments, and keep faculty members informed are a must.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, research, analytical, writing, and editing skills are required.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and to adapt to changes in priorities;…