Harvard University

Position Description

Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks a Research Associate (RA) to partner with a faculty member in the Organizational Behavior unit with research focusing on academic writing on topics relating to leadership, strategy, and organizational design. This RA will support the faculty with projects including podcast production, case writing, and an upcoming book project. Under the general direction of faculty member, the RA will identify and explore a wide-range of questions; provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation to faculty member.

The RA position reports directly to faculty supervisor 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. This position would fit a candidate looking to pursue a PhD in the future.

Primary duties:

• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using knowledge and learning in areas related to organizational behavior, business turnarounds and transformations, and related fields.
• Conduct background research; gather, analyze, edit and draft all forms of academic writing including but not limited to, archival sources, cases and articles, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos; create original writing based on research and interviews with business leaders.
• Provide analysis, editing, and drafts for academic journal articles, book writing, podcast support, HBS cases and HBS teaching notes. Develop, synthesize and provide analysis of literature reviews.
• Read and efficiently distill information to identify key themes and important areas, which will elicit further research needs.
• Independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects. Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies. Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• 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.
• This role is also responsible for other duties as assigned. 

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Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required.
• Excellent writing and editing skills. Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience. Proven ability to work independently and creatively.
• Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected, including the ability to prepare charts, graphs, and use graphics for presentations.

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Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of or familiarity in organizational behavior preferred.
• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis necessary. Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is necessary. Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing required.
• One to two years of relevant experience in consulting and/or industry preferred.
• This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. 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. The candidate must also 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.

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Additional Information

This is a full-time term appointment starting this summer through June 30, 2025, with potential for re-appointment for the following year. All HBS RA roles are structured as one-year appointments.

This role is offered as a hybrid (some combination of onsite and remote) where you are required to be onsite at our Boston, MA based campus 2-4 days per week. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. All candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, transcript, and a code sample to be reviewed by an HBS statistician.

Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore HBS work culture at https://www.hbs.edu/employment/.,

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.,

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.