Research Associate (Writing Focused)

Company Description

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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 multiple Research Associate (RA) to support faculty members on writing / content focused work. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of business topics and prior writing experience. 

The Research Associate (RA) position reports directly to faculty supervisors and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal RA candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.  

Please note the faculty currently hiring include: 

• Joshua Margolis
• Fritz Foley
  • Professor Foley is seeking a Research Associate who can support a book project regarding the role of CFO in organizations. Ideal candidates bring knowledge in finance, strong writing and research skills, along with the ability to conduct statistical analysis on firm profitability data.
• Jonas Heese and Aiyesha Dey (paired together)
  • Professors Heese and Dey are looking for a Research Associate who can support a book project on corporate fraud. Ideal candidates bring prior writing experience and an interest in business management.
• Yuan Zou
  • Professor Yuan Zou is seeking a half-time Research Associate to support case writing and course development needs for the spring 2027 Business Analysis and Valuation elective course in the MBA program. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of core accounting principles and financial statements, as well as excellent writing skills.

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 drafts for a book project 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.
• Under general direction of faculty member, 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 keep faculty member informed as necessary, 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 with a GPA above 3.5 is required.
• Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research,