Research Associate; Writing Focused

Job Description

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.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Prior experience supporting short‑form writing and website project management preferred.

• Evidence of prior high‑quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news and literature is helpful. Ability to read academic, subject‑specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• 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.

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: Identity, Education.

Other Information: 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.

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 location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.

Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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