Research Assistant

The California Research Center is seeking an intellectually curious, organized, and highly collaborative Research Assistant to support our research team.
This could be an outstanding early-career role for someone eager to learn, willing to roll up their sleeves, and comfortable contributing wherever their teammates need support. The Research Assistant will work closely with CRC staff on a range of projects. Much of the position's time will be devoted to supporting case-study development through research, proofreading, editing, formatting, and other content-related work.

The balance will involve project coordination, administrative tasks, presentations, events, and other school-facing projects.

• Research and Content Support
  • Provide research support for case studies, academic materials, and other CRC deliverables.
  • Conduct research on companies, industries, technologies, business models, and markets.
  • Identify, gather, and evaluate information from financial, industry, news, company, and archival sources.
  • Synthesize research findings into clear summaries, background materials, timelines, company profiles, and other materials for use by senior team members.
  • Fact-check and verify information, citations, financial figures, and other details in case studies and related materials.
  • Proofread, copyedit, format, and quality-check written materials, presentations, and research deliverables.
  • Stay current on business and technology news and develop familiarity with the companies, industries, and management topics relevant to CRC projects.
• Project, Administrative, and Program Coordination
  • Support CRC staff on multiple projects at different stages of development.
  • Track assigned tasks, timelines, deliverables, and follow-up items.
  • Organize and maintain project files, research materials, databases, and citations.
  • Schedule interviews and meetings and assist with related preparation and follow-up.
  • Provide general administrative and ad hoc support to the CRC team.
  • Support alumni outreach and CRC events and programs.
  • Coordinate event logistics, including venues, invitations, RSVPs, catering, materials, and expenses, and help ensure that programs are executed smoothly and professionally.
  • Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
  • This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, or another field emphasizing rigorous analytical and qualitative work.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret financial and other business information and synthesize qualitative insights.
• Demonstrable knowledge of developments and trends in business and technology.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Comfort working collaboratively on a team and taking initiative when priorities shift.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and sound judgment regarding their appropriate use.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

40 hours per week

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Identity and Education

This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our San Mateo, CA 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.

Finalists will be asked to undertake a timed writing assessment.

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

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…