Research Associate

at  Harvard University

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Harvard Business School (HBS) is seeking a qualified candidate for a Research Associate (RA) position. The position is ideal for intellectually ambitious researchers interested in doctoral studies in management, accounting, or applied economics disciplines and a research career. The job will expose candidates to applied quantitative and qualitative research and to executives, analysts, and investors in the field.
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.

Primary Duties:

• Support the development and execution of research projects
• Conduct background research for literature reviews and case materials
• Interpret and codify qualitative data; use statistical programs to clean up quantitative data, create datasets, and run analyses
• Use advanced knowledge of quantitative techniques such as robust causal inference methods or machine learning analysis to further research findings; support the development of surveys (e.g., set them up online, approach and follow up with subjects); and help with the execution of field experiments and special projects (e.g., the creation of videos).
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Computer Science or related field required, along with evidence of outstanding academic achievement.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Masters degree preferred.
• Ideal RA candidates will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a strong quantitative background, excellent writing skills, and an ability to use discretionary judgment.
• Candidates must have extremely high standards in terms of quality of work, attention to detail, organization skills, independence, initiative, and commitment to task completion.
• Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with individuals, and grace under pressure are essential. Candidates must be able to balance multiple tasks and shift priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary.
• Strong skills related to the use of Microsoft Office Suite are expected (Latex a plus).

ABOUT US

Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School (www.hbs.edu) is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. The School offers two full-time MBA and PhD programs, more than 175 Executive Education programs, and certificates and courses through Harvard Business School Online. For more than a century, Harvard Business School faculty have drawn on their research, connection to practice, global expertise, and passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. The School and its curriculum attract the boldest thinkers and the most collaborative learners who will shape the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.

• Support the development and execution of research projects
• Conduct background research for literature reviews and case materials
• Interpret and codify qualitative data; use statistical programs to clean up quantitative data, create datasets, and run analyses
• Use advanced knowledge of quantitative techniques such as robust causal inference methods or machine learning analysis to further research findings; support the development of surveys (e.g., set them up online, approach and follow up with subjects); and help with the execution of field experiments and special projects (e.g., the creation of videos).
• Responsible for other duties as assigned