Research Associate

11-Mar-2024

Harvard Business School

65257BR

Position Description

Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks a part-time Research Associate (RA) to support a faculty member in the Organizational Behavior unit. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation and interest in the area of leadership and organizations.

The Research Associate (RA) position reports directly to faculty supervisors 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.

Primary duties:

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics spanning leadership, strategy, advising/consulting, M&A, and others within the umbrella of Organizational Behavior. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty member. Identify and explore a wide-range of questions related to faculty’s research and teaching agenda.
• Write and develop cases, case supplements, project reports, and pedagogical course materials from start to finish, creating original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews. There may also be opportunities to write articles for applicable business audiences, such as Harvard Business Review, and to support with book projects targeted toward trade audiences.
• Provide strategic course support. In addition to the development and cultivation of course materials (e.g., syllabi, assignments, readings, etc.), work closely with faculty, administrative staff, and external stakeholders in identifying opportunities for and seeing through guest speaker events, panels, workshops, etc. Work with MBA students and provide limited supported as necessary.
• 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.
• Under general direction of faculty member, must be able to take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations. Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment. Must be proactive in supporting multiple projects simultaneously.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, graduate degree in the humanities or social sciences preferred.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Evidence of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. Proven evidence of independent research in specific advanced field of study. Must have strong writing skills. Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is helpful. Ability to tailor writing effectively based on target audience and medium is critical. Though direct industry experience is not required, the ability to read subject-specific information (including but not limited to academic/scholarly) and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must. Prior experience interviewing, developing interview guides, storyboarding, etc. is a plus.

Prior experience in course support and content development is highly preferred. Excellent skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite (esp. PowerPoint) are expected.

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. Must be able to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities, as well as own project timelines under tight time constraints at an accelerated pace, when necessary, often independently. It is helpful if the candidate is familiar with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School, as the candidate must be comfortable working and managing relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders with minimal oversight. The candidate should be highly professional and comfortable working with high-level executives.

Additional Information

This is a half-time term appointment beginning this summer (preferably in June, start date flexible) through June 30, 2025 with likely reappointment for the next academic year and further. Preference for a candidate willing to commit for two or more years. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments with potential for renewal based on funding and performance. 

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, transcripts, 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 more about HBS work culture here https://www.hbs.edu/employment.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Division of Research and Faculty Development

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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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