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Position Description

Under the general direction of faculty members in the Finance unit, the Research Associate will help develop, design and conduct academic research projects including advanced analysis of large databases; help synthesize, analyze, and produce original written materials for all forms of academic writing including scholarly publications and case studies; conduct background research, update and/or revise existing cases, or materials for classroom use.

The Research Associate (RA) position reports directly to faculty members 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 and intellectual curiosity and the ability to use discretionary judgment.

Primary Duties:

• Partner with HBS faculty on topics central to the faculty member's research agenda. Provide advanced subject-area expertise, analysis, and interpretation to faculty members. Act with a high degree of autonomy. Serve as a collaborator and thought-partner. Work with other RAs on research projects.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research in economics and finance mainly through analysis of large databases.
• Help write and revise cases, case supplements, articles, project reports, and policy memos from start to finish, creating original writing based on expertise, research, and interviews. Independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects with competing priorities.
• Provide analysis, writing, and editing for academic journal articles, HBS cases, and HBS teaching notes. Develop, synthesize and provide analysis of literature reviews.
• Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies. When confronted with unexpected research data, be able to make deductions, add insight, and draw conclusions to share with faculty. Collaborate in development of new techniques and instruments.
• Represent HBS to outside entities: interacting with prominent individuals (grace under pressure is essential). Interview decision makers at companies around the world and work closely with company representatives on the case development and course development efforts (e.g., case supplements, rewrites, teaching notes, and multimedia products). Perform on-site field research, interviews (local, regional, and international level).
• 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 members 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.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Demonstrated experience using Stata or R for statistics/econometrics is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Experience with statistical and/or econometric software is important. Familiarity with coding (such as Python) would be helpful. Knowledge of or familiarity with corporate finance, banking, investment management, financing behavior, and/or related areas is a plus.

Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience. Proven ability to work independently and creatively. This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is necessary. Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing required. All positions will be given a writing exam. Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis necessary. Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential. Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected.

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. They 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. Preference for candidate who plans to seek an advanced degree.

Additional Information

This is a full-time term appointment this summer (start date flexible) through June 30, 2024, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2025. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments with potential for renewal based on funding and performance.

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.

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University's COVID-19 Information Website.

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 more about HBS work culture here https://www.hbs.edu/employment.

Salary Grade: 055

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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.

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.

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