Research Associate, Data Scientist, Research Scientist

Overview

Harvard Business School seeks multiple Research Associate (RA) to support faculty member 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.

• 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 member. 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, 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• 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 Java script preferred.

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• 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 starting ASAP through June 30, 2026, with potential for re-appointment for the following year. All HBS RA roles are structured as one-year appointments.
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  20 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This role is offered as a hybrid (some combination of onsite and remote) where you are required to be onsite at our Boston, MA based campus 3 days per week. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.
• We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
• A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. All candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, code sample (if applicable to their skill set) and a transcript.
• Work Format Details
• This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work…