Research Associate at Harvard University – Boston, Massachusetts

Harvard University
Position Title: Research Associate

Req ID: 67854BR

School or Unit: Harvard Business School

Description: Position Description

Harvard Business School seeks several Research Associates to support qualitative research for Faculty across multiple academic units including: Organizational Behavior, Technology & Operations Management, and Negotiations Organizations & Markets. The scope of work will include but is not limited to: writing case studies, performing literature, and additional writing support as needed.

The Research Associate will report directly to the faculty and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.

Primary Duties

• Write cases, academic journal articles, case supplements, and project reports from start to finish creating original writing based on subject area expertise, research, and interviews. Independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects with competing priorities.
• Provide qualitative analysis, writing, and editing of academic journal articles, HBS cases, and HBS teaching notes. Propose, develop, synthesize, and provide analysis of literature reviews.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any field is required.
• Evidence of academic excellence is expected.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Proven evidence of independent research in specific advanced field of study.
• Demonstrated skill at navigating complex organizations.
• Proven ability to work independently and creatively.
• This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature. Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential.
• Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected.

Additional Information

This is a term appointment starting on July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with an expectation of reappointment based on funding and performance. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.

This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday - Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.

The recruiting process is rolling. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, now through spring. Candidates with external deadlines should notify the recruiter as soon as possible.

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 and transcript.

Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore HBS work culture at https://www.hbs.edu/employment/.

About Us

Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School (www.hbs.edu) is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. The School offers two full-time MBA and PhD programs, more than 175 Executive Education programs, and certificates and courses through Harvard Business School Online. For more than a century, Harvard Business School faculty have drawn on their research, connection to practice, global expertise, and passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. The School and its curriculum attract the boldest thinkers and the most collaborative learners who will shape the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-KD1

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Boston

Job Code: RS0055 Researcher I Humanities

Job Function: Research

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 055

Department: Division of Research and Faculty Development
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.