Research Associate - Full-Time Case Writer (Accounting)

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Campus perks

Job summary

Harvard Business School seeks a Research Associate to support case writing and course development for the spring 2027 elective in MBA program, reporting to faculty supervisors. The role emphasizes accounting principles, strong writing, and independent work in a hybrid Boston setting.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree (GPA >3.5) and excellent analytical and writing skills, with capacity to balance multiple tasks under tight deadlines. On-site collaboration is expected several days weekly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Strong writing and analytical reading of academic materials are essential.
• Excellent organization and ability to handle tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, and drafts for a book project from start to finish.
• Develop articles for business audiences such as Harvard Business Review.
• Translate complex research ideas into clear, well-structured writing.
• Collaborate with faculty, attend on-site meetings, and manage multiple tasks.

Skills

Writing skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Research Associate - Full-Time Case Writer (Accounting)

• Part-time
• Work Format: Hybrid
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Salary Grade: 055
• Department: Division of Research and Faculty Development
• FLSA Status: Exempt

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Harvard Business School seeks a Research Associate to support case writing and course development needs on a full-time basis (40 hours per week) to support Professor Yuan Zou .

Professor Yuan Zou is seeking a full-time Research Associate to support case writing and course development needs for the spring 2027 Business Analysis and Valuation elective course in the MBA program.Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of core accounting principles and financial statements, as well as excellent writing skills. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of business topics and prior writing experience.

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 central to HBS research agenda. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty member. Identify and explore a wide-range of questions related to faculty’s research agenda.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, and drafts for a book project from start to finish creating original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews, and write articles for applicable business audiences such as Harvard Business Review.
• 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.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is helpful.
• 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 under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary. It is helpful if the candidate is familiar with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.
• Prior experience supporting short form writing and website project management preferred.
• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027.All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments
• Standard Hours/Schedule:40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
• Other Information:
  • The recruiting process is currently ongoingfor the 2026-2027academic year.
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

#LI-PG1

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.