Research Associate - Managing the Future of Work

Please note only applicants who apply online via HarvardCareers will be considered. 

The nature and scope of work is rapidly changing, creating massive business and political challenges. Managing the Future of Work (MFW) initiative was created to define these workplace issues and their implications for business leaders.

Under the general direction of Professors Joe Fuller and Bill Kerr, the Research Associate (RA) will assist with the identification, exploration, and translation of topics central to the Managing the Future of Work agenda.

The RA position reports directly to faculty supervisors, Program Director, and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. The ideal candidate 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:

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to MFW research agenda. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation to faculty member. Serve as a collaborator and thought-partner.
• Write cases, articles, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos from start to finish creating original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews. Independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects with competing priorities, while collaborating with team members.
• Provide qualitative analysis, writing, and editing of presentation materials, HBS cases, and HBS teaching notes. Propose, develop, synthesize, and provide analysis of literature reviews.
• Collect and assemble data from complex and disparate sources. Create original, thought-provoking, innovative presentations, content, and writings for domestic and international audiences.
• 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.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, or related field is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

One to two years of relevant experience in consulting and/or industry is preferred.

Statistical/programming experience and/or applied experience with Python, STATA, MATLAB, or R.

Evidence of academic excellence and of prior independent research experience. Preference for a candidate experienced or well-versed in academic knowledge of business and policy perspectives, globalization, innovation, and/or management.

Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature. All positions will be given a writing exam. Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.

Proven ability to work independently and creatively. This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. 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. The RA must be able to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary.

Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential. It is helpful if the candidate is familiar with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.

Additional Information

This is a full-time term appointment beginning this summer (preferably in June, start date flexible) through June 30, 2025 with likely reappointment for the next academic year and further. Preference for a candidate willing to commit for two or more years. 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.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. All candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, transcripts, 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.