Predoctoral Fellow

04-Apr-2024

Harvard Business School

65478BR

Position Description

Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks a full-time Predoctoral Fellow for the academic year 2024-25 to work with Professor Ting Zhang in the Organization Behavior unit. Research areas are primarily focused on how leaders can be more effective at developing people through feedback, advice, mentoring, and coaching. These positions are ideal for candidates with an interest and plans for doctoral studies in psychology, organizational behavior, or other fields after working as a Predoctoral Fellow for two years.

The Fellows will report directly to the faculty and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal 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 faculty on topics central to research agenda. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty member.
• Data cleaning, analyzation, and categorizing using knowledge and research for the related in qualitative studies.
• Develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques. Manage and manipulate data using requested packages.
• Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies. When confronted with research data, be able to make deductions, add insight and draw conclusions to share with faculty. Collaborate in development of new techniques and instruments.
• Use knowledge of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret experimental results. Work independently with research methodologies to identify gaps in research data and methods. Produce innovative academic materials to supplement faculty research and teaching. Make recommendations to faculty based on statistical interpretation and independent research. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate the quality of results.
• 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 judgement.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Evidence for outstanding academic achievement
• Strong project management and communication skills in spoken and written English
• Statistical/programming experience and/or applied experience with Python, R, or other languages
• Experience with NLP or other aspects of ML
• Familiarity with organizational behavioral research methods and practices 

Additional Information

This is a full-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 and Predoc Fellow 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, and transcripts.

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-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.