Research Associate – Human Behavior

Please note only applicants who apply online via HarvardCareers will be considered. 

Harvard Business School (HBS) is seeking a Research Associate (RA) for one to two years, beginning July 1st, 2024. The position is located on the Harvard Business School campus in Boston, MA. The RA will report directly to faculty supervisors and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office.

The faculty use experimental and field data to answer questions about human behavior in organizations, with a wide range of topics including knowledge, advising and mentoring relationships, gender, diversity, and technology.

The position entails helping with research projects at varying stages, including study design, implementation/data collection, data coding and analysis, and reporting. The position is an excellent opportunity for those interested in eventually pursuing advanced degrees and/or careers in research, particularly in the field of Organizational Behavior.

Research Associates should possess the following skills:

• Ability to manage multiple projects at various stages, which involves:
• Collaborating with students, staff and professors
• Managing multiple work streams and timelines per project
• Maintaining organized records of each project
• Being proactive in moving projects forward
• Strong attention to detail and ability to problem solve independently.
• Strong academic writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Background or interest in social sciences research and methods.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Experience with the following is helpful:

• Writing documents for Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission
• Conducting online experiments using Qualtrics and Mechanical Turk
• Statistical software (e.g., R and/or STATA)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Understanding of experimental design and experience conducting experimental research

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in sociology, psychology, diversity & inclusion, gender studies, or related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Experience performing textual analysis desired, along with evidence of outstanding academic achievement and an indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience. 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

This is a half-time term appointment beginning this summer (preferably in June, start date flexible) through June 30, 2025 with likely reappointment for the next academic year and further. Preference for a candidate willing to commit for two or more years. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments with potential for renewal based on funding and performance. 

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.

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, transcripts, 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 more about HBS work culture here https://www.hbs.edu/employment.