Research Associate (General

Research Associate (General)

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
• Julie Battilana's Research on Social Innovation & Change
• Managing the Future of Work and US Competitiveness Project

You will see this posting updated with names of additional hiring faculty listed in the coming months as more needs are identified. We ask that you please indicate the faculty you are interested in supporting in your cover letter.

The Research Associate position reports directly to faculty supervisors and 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 the ability to use discretionary judgment.

Primary duties include:

• Working under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda.
• Writing cases, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos.
• Developing, designing, conducting, analyzing, and implementing research using data science knowledge.
• Managing and manipulating data using requested packages.
• Ensuring compliance with department, University, and federal regulations.
• Taking complex research ideas and applying them to new projects and situations.
• Building trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.

Basic qualifications include:

• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis.
• Bachelor's degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.

Additional qualifications and skills include:

• Proven evidence of independent research in a specific advanced field of study.
• High standards in terms of quality of work, attention to detail, strong organization skills, and commitment to task completion.

Appointment end date is 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 is 40 hours per week. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre-employment screening includes education and identity.

This is a hybrid position which is 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.

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

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.