Research Associate - Politics & Finance
Applications are reviewed and offers are made on a rolling basis. Please don't wait for the deadline to apply online.
HBS seeks a Research Associate for the academic year 2022-23 (and further) to work with a faculty member in the HBS Finance unit. Research topics include effects of political polarization, political economy, and empirical corporate finance.
The RAs will report directly to the faculty and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.
Primary duties:
- Collect, clean, merge, and analyze large datasets. Provide statistical analysis and design for reports and presentations. Independently manage all timelines and deliverables.
- Develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques. Manage and manipulate data using requested packages and particularly STATA and python. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate the quality of results.
- Under general direction of faculty members, 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 balance project requests, using strong communication and prioritization skills, while keeping faculty members informed as necessary, using own judgment.
- Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies. When confronted with research data, be able to make deductions, add insight and draw conclusions to share with faculty. Make recommendations to faculty based on statistical interpretation and independent research.
- Collaborate in development of new techniques and instruments. Use knowledge of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret experimental results. Work independently with research methodologies to identify gaps in research data and methods. Produce innovative academic materials to supplement faculty research and teaching.
This role is also responsible for other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or business related field required. Experience with Stata required, along with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Advanced Qualifications:
Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Strong mathematics background. Indication of training and good habits in data management and analysis. Evidence of prior high-quality data manipulation and analysis required. Proven ability to work independently and creatively. This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment and initiative. Background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data and research is necessary. Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential.
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. Preference for candidate who plans to seek an advanced degree.
Advanced Qualifications
This role is a full-time term appointment starting July 1st through June 30, 2023, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as term appointments. There is strong potential for reappointment, and a preference for candidates willing to commit for two or more years.
A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. All candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, transcript, and a code sample to be reviewed by an HBS statistician.
The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
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. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.
While we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, we appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. Please note that we will be conducting interviews virtually (phone and or Zoom) for selected candidates until further notice.
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.