Research Associate (General)

Harvard University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans with contributions

Wellbeing and mental health resources

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University is hiring Research Associates for their Business School, starting Summer 2026. This role involves supporting faculty in diverse research projects, conducting data analysis, writing case studies, and ensuring compliance with standards. Candidates need a Bachelor's degree with a GPA above 3.5, strong independent research skills, and proficiency in statistical software like STATA or Python. The position is hybrid, requiring onsite work in Boston, MA.

Qualifications

• Strong GPA above 3.5 is a requirement.
• Experience with data science and statistical programming is favorable.
• Proven evidence of high-quality academic writing.

Responsibilities

• Support faculty members with analysis and interpretation of research projects.
• Write cases, reports, and articles for business audiences.
• Conduct and analyze research using data science knowledge.
• Manage and manipulate large datasets using statistical packages.
• Ensure compliance with research and university policies.

Skills

Independent research

Academic writing

Data analysis

Statistical software (STATA, Python, R, MATLAB)

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

STATA

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

Harvard Business School (HBS) is seeking multiple Research Associates (General) starting in Summer 2026 to support assigned faculty members leading projects across a variety of business topics.

• Harvard Business School AI Institute — The Institute uses real-world experimentation and rigorous research to shape how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation redesign business, science, and society.
• The Private Capital Project — Private equity has become an integral part of the financial landscape. The project explores private capital within Harvard Business School’s broader missions and its potential to address global challenges. This project is co-led by Professor Josh Lerner and Professor Victoria Ivashina.
• Julie Battilana's Research on Social Innovation & Change — The initiative focuses on power and purpose, helping social innovators navigate challenges to initiate and implement positive social change.

Please note the faculty currently hiring include:

• Julie Battilana
• Lauren Cohen
• Josh Lerner and Victoria Ivashina (paired together)

You will see this posting updated with names of additional hiring faculty listed in the coming months as more needs are identified. Indicate the faculty you are interested in supporting in your cover letter.

More information on career outcomes, including PhD programs attended and pathways, can be seen here.

Responsibilities

The Research Associate position reports directly to faculty supervisors and the 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.

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to the HBS research agenda. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to the faculty member. Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to the faculty’s research agenda.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos from start to finish, creating original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews. Write articles for applicable business audiences such as Harvard Business Review.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and prior knowledge of requested statistical packages. Perform statistical programming. Experience with NLP.
• Manage and manipulate data using requested packages, such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• 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 a faculty member, translate complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies into new projects and situations. Structure assignments and keep the 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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Proven evidence of independent research in an advanced field of study. 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 read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is essential.

The candidate must have very high standards for quality of work, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to task completion. The ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines is important. It is helpful if the candidate is familiar with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027. These are term appointments starting Summer 2026 through June 30, 2027, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2028, based on funding and performance. Predoctoral Research Associate roles are structured as one-year term appointments, with faculty preference for two-year commitments.
• 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 starts now and continues into 2026 with offers typically finalized in late spring.
  • This is a hybrid position combining remote and onsite work at the Boston, MA campus. Staff are expected to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week.
  • Interviews may be conducted virtually or in-person. A cover letter, writing sample, transcript, and sometimes a code sample may be requested.

Work Format and Location

This position has been determined to be partially performable at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location are set by the department based on operational needs. When not working at a Harvard location, employees must meet work location sponsorship requirements.

Salary and Benefits

This position is in salary grade 055. See Harvard\'s Salary Ranges for details. Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and wellbeing, including:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on the Benefits & Wellbeing page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment

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. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. The policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.