Research Associate (Writing Focused)

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.

Please note the faculty currently hiring include:

Alison Wood Brooks

Fritz Foley Professor Foley is seeking a Research Associate who can support a book project regarding the role of CFO in organizations. Ideal candidates bring knowledge in finance, strong writing and research skills, along with the ability to conduct statistical analysis on firm profitability data.

Jonas Heese and Aiyesha Dey (paired together) Professors Heese and Dey are looking for a Research Associate who can support a book project on corporate fraud. Ideal candidates bring prior writing experience and an interest in business management.

Reza Satchu Work with Professor Satchu on cases, podcasts, and an exciting book project while exploring the fundamental dynamics of entrepreneurial decision-making and value creation, as his teaching and research draw on real-world venture-building experience to develop practical frameworks that help founders navigate extreme uncertainty and build ventures with meaningful societal impact.

Matthew Weinzierl Professor Weinzierl teaches and researches the space sector, and he is looking for a Research Associate who can be his partner in those efforts. If you are interested in building a career in the space sector, have dynamic people skills that will enable you to engage with industry leaders, and are a self-starter with ambitious goals for your future in space, this role provides an ideal launch pad.

Primary duties:

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.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.5 is required.

Prior experience supporting short form writing and website project management preferred.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

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.

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 ca…