Job Description:

04-Apr-2024

Research Associate

Harvard Business School

65487BR

Position Description

Companies are looking to build productive, distinctive organizations that can be a source of competitive advantage. And to make that happen, they need to be places where talented people want to come, produce, develop, and thrive.

Partner with HBS faculty member from the Organizational Behavior unit to provide subject-area expertise, analysis, and interpretation to further explore and contribute to this field of study.

The Research Associate (RA) position reports directly to faculty supervisor and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal RA candidates act with a high degree of autonomy, but know how to team collaboratively and iteratively with a faculty member in an “agile”-like way to get high-quality work done efficiently; they serve as a collaborator and thought-partner and are comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.

Primary Duties:

• Contribute to complex cases, articles, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos. Create original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews. Set and independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects with competing priorities. May direct the work of others.
• Introduce, design, and 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.
• Identify new research directions, make recommendations to, and create original written material for faculty based on independent knowledge. 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. Identify gaps in research and methods and recommend course of action.
• Produce original and innovative academic materials to supplement faculty research and teaching, including multi-media projects.
• Represent HBS to outside entities: interacting with prominent individuals (grace under pressure is essential). Interview decision makers at companies around the world and work closely with company representatives on the case development and course development efforts (e.g., case supplements, rewrites, teaching notes, and multimedia products). Perform on-site field research, interviews (local, regional and international level).
• Ensure compliance with department, University and federal regulations. Be aware of department, School, University policies and potential outside research policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelors degree required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Evidence of academic excellence. Advanced degree required or 2-4 years of relevant experience in related field and/or familiarity with HBS cases. Proven evidence of independent research in related field of study.

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.

All positions will be given a writing exam. Ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary. Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential. 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, 2024, 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.

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