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Harvard Business School

Research Associate (Immediate Hire)

Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

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Research Associate (Immediate Hire) – Harvard Business School 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.

Why join Harvard Business School? 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, HBS 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.

Primary Duties

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; structure assignments and keep faculty members informed as necessary.

Independently manage all timelines and deliverables; exercise independent decision‑making with regard to the progression of research projects and methodologies.

Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or a business‑related field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Statistical/programming experience and/or applied experience with Python, STATA, R, or MATLAB.

Behavioral roles require familiarity with qualitative coding and research methods, including tools like Qualtrics and MTurk.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

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 judgment, structure assignments, and keep faculty members informed.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, research, analytical, writing, and editing skills.

Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and to adapt to changes in priorities; work calmly under deadline pressure, work both independently and as a team member, take initiative; and follow projects through to completion.

Strong interest or prior experience leveraging AI.

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: June 30, 2026

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre‑Employment Screening: Education, Identity

This is a term appointment starting Fall 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.

Hybrid Work Format This position is hybrid, with on‑site work at our Boston, MA campus 3 days per week and optional remote work within Harvard‑registered payroll states. Specific on‑site days will be determined by business needs.

Recruiting Process 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. Interviews may be conducted virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in‑person. A cover letter is required, and all candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, code sample (if applicable), and transcript.

Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Generous paid time off including parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one

Retirement plans with university contributions

Wellbeing and mental health resources

Support for families and caregivers

Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non‑discrimination policy.

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