Research Associate - Ethnographic Research
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Why join Harvard Business School?
Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.
Job Description
Harvard Business School seeks a dedicated, enterprising, and collaborative Research Associate (RA) for the academic year 2026-2027 to work with a faculty member in the Strategy unit. A successful candidate will have a strong interest in field research and ethnographic methodologies which involves conducting interviews, observations and engaging with critical informants in the field. The research will also focus on how firms develop and execute strategy, how they manage organizational change given significant technological changes, and best practices in shaping firm growth, in technology, media, and creative industries. Projects will include exploring the role of AI in organizations, partnering with faculty researching the entrepreneurial infrastructure in Israel, and exploring how organizations use technology to transform operations.
The ideal candidate has experience in project management, consulting, or research management, and is interested in gaining experience in preparation for pursuing a PhD in Strategy, Organizational Behavior, or Business.
The RA will report directly to faculty supervisor and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. The ideal candidate will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.
Primary Duties:
Under the general direction of the faculty, the RA will:
- Conduct field and ethnographic research.
- Conduct newspaper research, literature reviews, and library searches.
- Engaging in project management.
- Write draft cases and articles, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos creating original writing based on research and interviews. Provide analysis, editing, and drafts for academic journal articles, HBS cases and HBS teaching notes. Develop, synthesize and provide analysis of literature reviews.
- Independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects with competing priorities.
- Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies.
- Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed regularly while 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.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Evidence of outstanding academic achievement.
- Indication of independent research experience, project management, and/or related applied experience.
- Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected.
Additional Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have excellent writing, editing, research skills, be analytically-minded and possess strong conceptual skills; be at home in an academic environment; have strong people, project-management, and organizational skills.
Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and to flexibly 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.
This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential. It is helpful if the candidate is familiar with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.
Additional Information
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 Predoctoral 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: Education, Identity
Other Information: This is a full-time appointment starting Summer 2026 through June 30, 2027. All Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.
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 candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, transcript, and at times a code sample to be reviewed by an HBS statistician.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.