Research Associate (Writing Focused), Division of Research and Faculty Development

Harvarduniversity; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Onsite 3 days per week

Job summary

Harvard Business School seeks multiple Research Associates to support faculty on writing and content-focused projects. The role requires strong business knowledge, excellent writing, and independent work habits, with on-site collaboration at a Boston campus.

Assignments include drafting cases, reports, and book chapters, conducting interviews, and applying qualitative and quantitative research methods. The position is hybrid with some remote work and a 40-hour week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Ability to read academic information and write a thoughtful analysis is required.
• Prior high-quality academic writing and data interpretation experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Work under faculty direction to provide analysis and interpretation for research.
• Write cases, project reports, and draft book chapters for publication.
• Translate complex research into original writing for business audiences.
• Engage with colleagues on-site to build collaboration.
• Manage multiple tasks with discretion and judgment.

Skills

Writing

Data analysis

Interviewing

Education

Bachelor’s degree GPA > 3.5

Job description

Research Associate (RA)

Harvard Business School seeks multiple Research Associate (RA) to support faculty members on writing / content focused work. 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.

Faculty Hiring

Joshua Margolis

Benjamin Esty

Fritz Foley Professor Foley is seeking a Research Associate who can support a book project regarding the role of CFO in organisations. Ideal candidates bring knowledge in finance, strong writing and research skills, along with the ability to conduct statistical analysis on firm profitability data.

Jonas Heese and Aiyesha Dey (paired together) Professors Heese and Dey are looking for a Research Associate who can support a book project on corporate fraud. Ideal candidates bring prior writing experience and an interest in business management.

Lakshmi Ramarajan Professor Ramarajan is seeking a half‑time Research Associate to support projects focused on identity and power. The ideal candidate will have experience with, or a strong interest in, a range of research methods, including interviewing and qualitative data analysis, laboratory and field experiments, and quantitative methods using archival and survey data.

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. 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 recruiting process is currently ongoing for the 2026‑2027 academic 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.

Work Format Details

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 loca