Harvard University
Position Title: Research Associate
Req ID: 65511BR
School or Unit: Harvard Business School
Description: Position Description
The Research Associate (RA) position reports directly to faculty supervisor in the Marketing unit 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 and intellectual curiosity and the ability to use discretionary judgment. Under the general direction of Faculty member, the RA will develop, design and conduct research projects; develop interview structures, questions, and conduct interviews; synthesize, analyze, and produce original written materials for all forms of academic writing; conduct background research, propose and create new cases, and update existing cases or materials for classroom use; use advanced knowledge of qualitative research methodologies to design surveys, experiments or other instruments to manage, extrapolate and analyze research data.
Primary Duties:
- Partner with Harvard Business School (HBS) faculty member on topics central to HBS research agenda. Provide advanced subject-area expertise, analysis, and interpretation to faculty member. Act with a high degree of autonomy. Serve as a collaborator and thought-partner.
- Develop, analyze, and implement research using advanced knowledge and learning.
- Write cases, articles, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos 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 quantitative and qualitative analysis, writing, and editing of academic journal articles, HBS cases, and HBS teaching notes. Propose, develop, synthesize, and provide analysis of literature reviews.
- Create content for multimedia projects to be used as teaching and case supplements.
- Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies. When confronted with unexpected research data, be able to make deductions, add insight, and draw conclusions to share with faculty. Develop new techniques and instruments. Use knowledge of advanced subject area to analyze and interpret experimental results. Work independently with sophisticated research methodologies. Identify gaps in research and methods and recommend course of action. Produce original and innovative academic materials to supplement faculty research and teaching. Identify research directions, make recommendations to, and create original written material for faculty based on independent research.
- Ensure compliance with department, University and federal regulations. Be aware of department, School, University policies and potential outside research policies. Represent HBS to outside entities: interacting with prominent individuals (grace under pressure is essential).
- Responsible for other duties as assigned.
Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree required, with a related focus in Nonprofit Strategy, or Management.
Additional Qualifications and SkillsEvidence of academic excellence. 2-4 years of relevant experience. Proven evidence of independent research in specific advanced field of study. Demonstrated skill at navigating complex organizations. Proven ability to work independently and creatively. 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. Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected. All positions will be given a writing exam.
This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. 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. The RA 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.
Additional InformationThis is a part-time term appointment starting this summer through June 30, 2025, with potential for re-appointment for the following year. All HBS RA roles are structured as one-year appointments.
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 2-4 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, transcript, and a code sample to be reviewed by an HBS statistician.
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/.
BenefitsWe 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.
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: Part-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.
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