Research Associate

21-Mar-2024

Harvard Business School

65370BR

Position Description

The Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard (LISH) is looking for an energetic Research Associate (RA) to facilitate research analyzing crowd data and the production of scientific knowledge. LISH is a Harvard-wide research program led by faculty co-directors Karim Lakhani and Marco Iansiti, Harvard Business School; Eva Guinan, Harvard Medical School; and David Parkes, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. We are an interdisciplinary research lab that is focused on developing a science of innovation through the application of quantitative and field experimental methods on innovation problems faced by our partners (NASA, Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute, Department of Defense Research Labs, Topcoder and various other institutions and corporations).

The primary responsibilities of the Research Associate will be using data science techniques to support the lab’s social science research and working to field complex data science solutions through prize-based, online contests.

Core tasks include:

• Extraction, cleaning, exploration, and analysis of data collected from various sources, including organizational data and aggregated intelligence;
• Model creation and implementation using methods such as NLP, NN, random forest, etc.
• Creation and maintenance of documentation of data files, modeling choices, rationale, and results;
• Developing quantitative prediction and classification models for social science research;
• Working with the LISH Data Science Team to design and execute data science and AI development contests with partner research organizations.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned. 

The Research Associate will be a member of the data science team under the supervision of Professor Karim Lakhani (Harvard Business School). LISH is looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or new perspectives.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics or relevant analytical field required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Graduate degree in Data Science or other quantitative field is preferred
• Adept in one or more programming languages (C/C++, Python, Java) preferred.
• Experience querying databases/web APIs and using statistical computer languages: R, Python, etc. preferred.
• Experience with statistical analysis, particularly working with 'messy' data -- identifying missing data, matching heterogeneous data sources using fuzzy matching techniques, etc. preferred
• Problem-solving aptitude – identifies/defines problems, seeks root causes, develops and implements various solution strategies
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Interest in building algorithms and analytical models
• Ability to handle multiple projects, stakeholders, and demands

Additional Information

This is a full-time term appointment this summer (start date flexible) through June 30, 2024, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2025. 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.

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.

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-2024

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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