Research Associate

26-Feb-2024

Harvard Business School

65159BR

Position Description

The Creating Emerging Markets project is concerned with the evolution and impact of entrepreneurship in Africa, Asia, and Latin America over the last forty years. It has conducted over one hundred extensive interviews, many of them on video, with some of the most important business leaders in these regions. These interviews are hosted on a website, along with supporting materials, which is publicly available, and designed to help transform our current understanding of business leadership in emerging markets.

The project has recently been renewed and is mandated to conduct further interviews around the world. The Research Associate (RA) will require considerable administrative ability to coordinate with multiple faculty, the School’s global research centers, interview candidates, film crews, Harvard Business Publishing, Baker Library, and other global partners to facilitate this new round of interviews.

Primary Duties:

• Scheduling, coordinating, and processing new interviews. The RA will be responsible for directly overseeing logistics for on-campus interviews, and will assist coordination for interviews conducted globally. When applicable, the RA will assist in the planning and organization of CEM-related conferences and/or events.
• Responsible for building interviewee web pages and generally managing the CEM website.
• Research and writing, including conducting background research on future interview candidates, generating lists of interview questions, editing interview transcripts and writing transcript summaries to feature on the website.
• Responsible for identifying new video content from CEM interviews to feature on the site for use in teaching. Occasionally, the RA will be involved researching and writing journal articles and HBS cases related to CEM protagonists.
• Assist with other faculty projects related to CEM, and to assisting with efforts to increase the impact of CEM among researchers and teachers. An important skill of the RA will be to manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects with competing priorities.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

The RA must represent HBS to outside entities and interact with prominent individuals. The job also involves the ability to interview decision makers at companies around the world and work closely with company representatives on case development and course development efforts (e.g., case supplements, teaching notes, and multimedia products).

The RA position reports directly to faculty supervisors and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. The RA must, under only the general direction of the faculty member, be able to take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations. The candidate must also be able to structure assignments and keep faculty members informed as necessary, using own judgment.

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. The position requires the ability to ensure compliance with department, University and federal regulations and awareness of department, School, and University policies and potential outside research policies.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, with a preference for a focus in business related field and/or contemporary economic and business history.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Knowledge of relevant local languages would be valuable, but is not essential. Evidence of outstanding academic achievement.

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. They must be able to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary.

Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience. Proven ability to work independently and creatively. This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is necessary. Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing required. All positions will be given a writing exam. Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis is necessary. Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential. Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected.

Additional Information

This is a full-time term appointment beginning as soon as possible (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 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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