Research Associate (65635BR)

Position Description

Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks a Research Associate (RA) to partner with a faculty member in the Organizational Behavior unit with research focusing on academic writing on topics relating to leadership, strategy, and organizational design. This RA will support the faculty with projects including podcast production, case writing, and an upcoming book project. Under the general direction of faculty member, the RA will identify and explore a wide-range of questions; provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation to faculty member.

The RA position reports directly to faculty supervisor 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, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment. This position would fit a candidate looking to pursue a PhD in the future.

Primary duties

Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using knowledge and learning in areas related to organizational behavior, business turnarounds and transformations, and related fields. Conduct background research; gather, analyze, edit and draft all forms of academic writing including but not limited to, archival sources, cases and articles, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos; create original writing based on research and interviews with business leaders. Provide analysis, editing, and drafts for academic journal articles, book writing, podcast support, HBS cases and HBS teaching notes. Develop, synthesize and provide analysis of literature reviews. Read and efficiently distill information to identify key themes and important areas, which will elicit further research needs. Independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects. Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies. Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment. Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations. Complete work with only general direction. Be aware of department, School, University policies and potential outside research policies. This role is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelors degree required. Excellent writing and editing skills. Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience. Proven ability to work independently and creatively. Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected, including the ability to prepare charts, graphs, and use graphics for presentations.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

Knowledge of or familiarity in organizational behavior preferred. Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis necessary. Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is necessary. Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing required. One to two years of relevant experience in consulting and/or industry preferred. 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 candidate must also 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 Information

This is a full-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/ .

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.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

RS0055 Researcher I Humanities

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

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2025

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.

EEO 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.