Research Associate (General)

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About the Role

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 - Uses real-world experimentation and rigorous research to shape how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation redesign business, science, and society.
• Julie Battilana's Research on Social Innovation & Change - Through teaching, research, and field-building efforts, this initiative helps aspiring and longtime social innovators navigate the challenges of initiating and implementing positive social change. Focuses on power and purpose.
• Managing the Future of Work and US Competitiveness Project - Pursues research that business and policy leaders can put into action to navigate the evolving landscape of work. Current research areas focus on six forces redefining work in the U.S. and 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, focusing on the roles business leaders play in promoting competitiveness.

Faculty currently hiring include: Julie Battilana, Chiara Farronato, Julian De Freitas, Data Science and AI for Leaders, Rembrand M. Koning, and Kadeem Noray. Additional faculty may be added in the coming months. Candidates should indicate the faculty they are interested in supporting in their cover letter.

The Research Associate position reports directly to faculty supervisors and an 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 discretionary judgment.

Responsibilities

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to the HBS research agenda.
• Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation to faculty members.
• Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to the faculty’s research agenda.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, policy memos, and articles for business audiences such as Harvard Business Review, creating original content based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and statistical packages (e.g., STATA, Python, R, MATLAB). Perform statistical programming, including experience with NLP.
• Manage and manipulate data using requested packages.
• Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations.
• Structure assignments and keep faculty informed using independent judgment.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven evidence of independent research in a specific advanced field of study.
• Prior high-quality, original academic writing and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature.
• Extremely high standards for quality of work, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and absolute commitment to task completion.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace.
• Familiarity with navigating complex organizations, such as Harvard Business School, is helpful.

Additional Information

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. While roles are structured as one-year term appointments, faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.

This is a hybrid position based at Harvard Business School’s Boston, MA campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week, with specific days and hours determined by business needs. The position requires working in a Harvard-registered state when remote.

A cover letter, writing sample, and transcript are required for consideration. Candidates may also be asked to submit a code sample for review by an HBS statistician.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support a healthy work-life balance and physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, including:

• 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.