Research Associate (General)

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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 (HBS) is seeking multiple Research Associates (General) starting in Summer 2026 to support assigned faculty members leading projects across a variety of business topics including:

• Harvard Business School AI Institute - The Harvard Business School AI Institute uses real-world experimentation and rigorous research to shape how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation redesign business, science, and society.
• Julie Battilana's Research on Social Innovation & Change - Through teaching, research, and field building efforts, the Social Innovation & Change Initiative helps aspiring and longtime social innovators navigate the challenges of initiating and implementing positive social change. This initiative is led by Professor Julie Battilana, whose research projects focus on power and purpose.
• William Kirby's Research on China - Kirby's work examines contemporary China's business, economic, and political development in an international context. Successful candidates for this Research Associate opportunity ideally bring a background in Chinese studies, along with reading and language skills in Chinese languages.

Please note the faculty currently hiring include: 

• Julie Battilana
• Chiara Farronato
• Linda Hill
• Laura Jakli
• William Kirby

You will see this posting updated with names of additional hiring faculty listed in the coming months as more needs are identified. We ask that you please indicate the faculty you are interested in supporting in your cover letter.

More information on career outcomes, including PhD programs attended and pathways, can be seen here. 

Overview: The Research Associate position reports directly to faculty supervisors 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:

• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty member.  Identify and explore a wide-range of questions related to faculty’s research agenda.
• Write cases, case supplements, project reports, and policy memos from start to finish creating original writing based on subject-area expertise, research, and interviews, and write articles for applicable business audiences such as Harvard Business Review.
• Develop, design, conduct, analyze, and implement research using data science knowledge and prior knowledge of requested statistical packages. Perform statistical programming. Experience