Research Associate (Writing Focused)

About the Role

Harvard Business School seeks multiple Research Associates (RA) to support faculty members on writing/content-focused work. The RA position reports directly to faculty supervisors and an administrative manager. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in an environment requiring a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.

Specific faculty hiring include:

• Joshua Margolis
• Benjamin Esty
• Fritz Foley: Seeking support for a book project regarding the role of CFO in organizations. Ideal candidates bring knowledge in finance, strong writing and research skills, and the ability to conduct statistical analysis on firm profitability data.
• Jonas Heese and Aiyesha Dey: Seeking support for a book project on corporate fraud. Ideal candidates bring prior writing experience and an interest in business management.
• Lakshmi Ramarajan: Seeking a half-time Research Associate to support projects focused on identity and power. The ideal candidate will have experience with, or a strong interest in, a range of research methods, including interviewing, qualitative data analysis, laboratory and field experiments, and quantitative methods using archival and survey data.

Key Responsibilities

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation to faculty members.
• Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to faculty’s research agenda.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, and drafts for book projects from start to finish, creating original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews.
• Write articles for applicable business audiences such as Harvard Business Review.
• Apply complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies to new projects and situations.
• Structure assignments and keep faculty 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation.
• Hybrid position: onsite a minimum of 3 days per week at the Boston, MA campus.
• Cover letter is required.
• Writing sample, transcript, and potentially a code sample will be reviewed.

Qualifications

• Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing.
• Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature is helpful.
• Extremely high standards in terms of quality of work, attention to detail, strong organization skills, and absolute commitment to task completion.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace.
• Familiarity with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School, is helpful.
• Prior experience supporting short form writing and website project management preferred.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027. Term appointments starting Summer 2026 through June 30, 2027, with expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2028. Faculty prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity.
• Recruiting: Ongoing for the 2026-2027 academic year.
• Interviews: May be conducted virtually (phone and/or Zoom) and/or in-person.
• Work Format: Some duties can be performed at a non-Harvard location. Schedule and location determined by department based on operational needs. When not onsite, employees must work in a Harvard registered state.
• Salary Grade: 055.
• Benefits: Comprehensive package including paid time off, parental leave, health insurance, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, family/caregiver support, professional development, commuter benefits, and campus perks.