Research Associate (Quantitative), Division of Research and Faculty Development

Harvarduniversity; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Business School is hiring multiple Research Associates to support faculty on AI, digital transformation, and workforce topics. The role emphasizes independent work, data-driven analysis, and written outputs including cases and memos.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with strong academic record and be comfortable with data science tools and NLP. Appointments are one-year terms starting Summer 2026 with potential extension based on funding and performance; standard schedule is 40

Qualifications

• Ability to read academic material and write thoughtful analysis.
• Bachelor's degree with GPA above 3.5 required.

Responsibilities

• Work under general direction of faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda.
• Write cases, project reports, and policy memos from start to finish.
• Develop, conduct, and analyze research using data science methods and NLP.
• Manage data using packages such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and regulations.
• Collaborate on new projects and keep faculty informed as needed.

Skills

Data science

NLP

Analysis

Writing

Education

Bachelor's degree with GPA >3.5

Tools

STATA

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

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 including:

Harvard Business School AI Institute

The Harvard Business School AI Institute uses real-world experimentation and rigorous research to shape how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation redesign business, science, and society.

Managing the Future of Work and US Competitiveness Project

Harvard Business School's Project on Managing the Future of Work pursues research that business and policy leaders can put into action to navigate this complex landscape. The Project's current research areas focus on six forces that are redefining the nature of work in the United States as well as in many other advanced and emerging economies. The U.S. Competitiveness Project is a research-led effort to understand and improve the competitiveness of the United States-that is, the ability of firms operating in the U.S. to compete successfully in the global economy while supporting high and rising living standards for Americans. The Project focuses especially on the roles that business leaders do and can play in promoting U.S. competitiveness.

Please note the faculty currently hiring include:

• Data Science and AI for Leaders – Rembrand M. Koning
• Digital Reskilling Lab – Alex Chan

You will see this posting updated with names of additional hiring faculty listed in the coming months as more needs are identified. We ask that you please 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 .

Overview

The Research Associate position reports directly to faculty supervisors 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 judgement.

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 policy memos 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.
• 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 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

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Proven evidence of independent research in specific 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.
• 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.

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. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.

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