Predoctoral Fellow - 2024 Graduates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply online today to be considered!

Harvard Business School seeks full-time Predoctoral Fellows to work with faculty in our Strategy, Finance, Entrepreneurial Management, Technology & Operations Management, Negotiations, Organizations & Markets, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, or Accounting & Management units. Fellows will assist with the daily operations of academic projects in a variety of fields, such as competition, management, and innovation. Research often draws heavily on applied econometrics and microeconomic theory. These positions are ideal for candidates with an interest and plans for doctoral studies in business, economics, finance, psychology, organizational behavior, or other fields after working as a Predoctoral Fellow for two years.

The Fellows 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:

• Fellows will develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques.
• For quantitative roles, RAs will manage and manipulate data using requested packages, such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• For behavioral roles, Fellows will manage and manipulate data using qualitative research tools, such as Qualtrics and MTurk. They will also manage IRB submissions.
• Collect, clean, synthesize, and analyze data. Produce statistical models. Provide analysis of data exhibits for academic journal articles. Provide statistical analysis and design for reports and presentations.
• Develop, synthesize and provide analysis of literature reviews. May also provide analysis, editing, and drafts for academic journal articles, HBS cases and HBS teaching notes.
• Balance project requests from multiple faculty members, using strong communication and prioritization skills. Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• Independently manage all timelines and deliverables. Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or business-related field required. 

Statistical/programming experience and/or applied experience with Python, STATA, R, or MATLAB. Behavioral predoctoral roles require familiarity with qualitative coding and research methods, including tools like Qualtrics and MTurk.

Additional Qualifications:

Evidence of outstanding academic achievement.  Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience. Methodological interests in econometrics, statistics, machine learning, industrial organization, productivity, and economic theory are preferred. Must be able to take complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and apply them to new projects and situations. Abilities to use own judgement, structure assignments, and keep faculty members informed are a must.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, research, analytical, writing, and editing skills are required. Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and to adapt to changes in priorities; ability to work calmly under deadline pressure, work both independently and as a team member, take initiative; and follow projects through to completion. 

Additional Information:

These are term appointments starting July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2026 based on funding and performance. All Predoctoral Fellow roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.

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.

The recruiting process is rolling. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, now through spring. Candidates with external deadlines should notify the recruiter as soon as possible.

Our salaries–combined with comprehensive benefits, generous paid time-off, access to education and professional development, and a vibrant campus with abundant cultural and recreational opportunities–create a competitive and compelling total rewards package.

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, transcript, 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 HBS work culture at https://www.hbs.edu/employment/.