Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Harvard Business School
Job overview
The Predoctoral Research Associate role at Harvard Business School supports faculty in Marketing, Entrepreneurial Management, and Finance units by assisting with academic research projects, contributing to rigorous research and thought leadership.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves managing and analyzing data using statistical and qualitative tools, developing research methodologies, balancing multiple faculty project requests, independently managing timelines and deliverables, and contributing to academic articles and presentations.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a salary at grade level 055 with potential for higher grades based on experience, comprehensive benefits including paid time off, health insurance starting day one, retirement plans, mental health resources, family support, professional development, and commuter perks.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in economics, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or business-related fields, with required programming/statistical experience in Python, STATA, R, or MATLAB; behavioral roles require familiarity with qualitative tools like Qualtrics and MTurk; strong academic achievement and research experience are preferred.
Career development
The role is ideal for candidates planning doctoral studies and offers opportunities to develop expertise in research methodologies, econometrics, and applied research, with potential reappointment based on performance and funding.
Work environment and culture
Harvard Business School fosters a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment emphasizing innovation, intellectual curiosity, and a hybrid work model with onsite presence expected three days a week.
Company information
Harvard Business School, part of Harvard University since 1908, is a leading global institution for management education and research, known for its dynamic ecosystem of programs and thought leadership.
Team overview
Predoctoral Research Associates report directly to faculty members and the administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office, working closely with professors across multiple academic units.
Job location and travel
The position is based on Harvard's Boston, MA campus with hybrid work options requiring onsite presence at least three days per week; remote work must be within specified states.
Application process
Applicants must submit a cover letter indicating faculty interest, a writing sample, transcript, and code sample; the recruitment is rolling with virtual and/or in-person interviews; visa sponsorship is not provided.
Unique job features
This role offers unique opportunities to work with leading faculty on cutting-edge research projects using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, with a strong emphasis on independent judgment and intellectual growth.
Company overview
Harvard Business School (HBS) is a prestigious graduate business school located in Boston, Massachusetts, and is part of Harvard University. It offers a range of programs including the highly regarded MBA, doctoral programs, and executive education. HBS generates revenue through tuition fees, executive education programs, publishing case studies, and research. Founded in 1908, the school is known for pioneering the case method of teaching and has a strong network of alumni who are influential in various industries globally.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your strong foundation in economics, mathematics, or quantitative sciences, emphasizing your experience with statistical programming languages such as Python, STATA, R, or MATLAB, as these are critical for the role at Harvard Business School.
Showcase your ability to manage multiple research projects independently, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, strong communication, prioritization skills, and experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including tools like Qualtrics and MTurk if applicable.
Apply through multiple channels including the Harvard Business School careers page, Harvard University’s official job portal, and LinkedIn to maximize your exposure to the hiring team.
Connect with current Predoctoral Research Associates, faculty members, or administrative staff within the Marketing, Entrepreneurial Management, or Finance units at Harvard Business School on LinkedIn. Use ice breakers such as commenting on recent research published by the faculty you are interested in, or expressing enthusiasm for Harvard’s collaborative research environment.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'applied econometrics,' 'microeconomic theory,' 'statistical models,' 'data analysis,' 'Python,' 'STATA,' and 'independent research.' Use clear, simple formatting and avoid graphics or tables that ATS may not parse well.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across multiple platforms, identify and connect with relevant Harvard Business School contacts on LinkedIn, and ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, allowing you to focus on preparing for interviews and advancing your research skills.
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