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Harvard University Research Associate in Cambridge, Massachusetts

66587BRAuto req ID:66587BRJob Code:RS0056 Researcher II Humanities Department Office Location:USA - MA - Boston Business Title:Research AssociateSub-Unit:------------ Appointment End Date:30-Jun-2025Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :056Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:

  • A masters degree with at least 3 years relevant work experience, or bachelor’s degree with a least 5 years of relevant work experience are required.

  • Degree in Business, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Political Science, Social Sciences, Statistics or similar with a background in statistical/mathematical methods strongly preferred.

  • Working knowledge of R, Python, and generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:Evidence of academic excellence. Proven evidence of independent research experience. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical and conceptual skills and must be comfortable working with data, including but not limited to data management and analysis, among others. A background in running lab sessions (for courses or experimental study) is desired. The candidate must have extremely high standards in terms of quality of work, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and absolute commitment to timely task completion. The candidate must be able to balance multiple tasks and shifting priorities under tight deadlines at an accelerated pace when necessary. It is helpful if the candidate is familiar with navigating a complex organization, such as Harvard Business School.

Candidates with a PhD or 2+ years of additional experience may be considered for a higher salary grade. Candidates with less experience may be considered for a lower salary grade. Additional Information:This is a full-time term appointment starting this summer through June 30, 2025, with potential for re-appointment for the following year contingent on funding and performance. All HBS Research Associate roles are structured as one-year appointments.

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 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 a code sample.

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/.Department:Division of Research and Faculty DevelopmentPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentityJob Function:Research Position Description:The RA’s responsibilities will include writing and revising teaching cases, as well as creating, managing, and analyzing datasets that accompany these cases. Additionally, the RA will work closely with the HBS Digital Transformation team to develop a course “bot” that will serve as the primary interface for students for all analytical and conceptual exercises. The RA will also have the opportunity to participate in developing teaching and learning concepts that democratize data science and AI for leaders.

Ideal RA candidates will thrive in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to exercise discretionary judgment. Under the general direction of faculty members, the RA will synthesize, analyze, and produce original written materials for all forms of academic writing. They will conduct background research, propose and create new cases, and update existing cases or materials for classroom use. The role also involves using advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to manage and analyze research data.

The RA will work closely with Professors Iav Bojinov & Karim Lakhani and will be a member of the Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard research team.

The Research Associate position reports directly to faculty supervisors and the administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office.

Primary duties:

  • Data Science and AI Content Management and Updates: Oversee and maintain current data science and AI educational materials, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Migrate content and quantitative exercises, currently in R, to a new generative AI-powered tool for data analysis.

  • Creation of New Teaching Content: Design and develop comprehensive learning materials, including exercises, case studies, digital tools, simulations, and multimedia content. Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information.

  • Project and Deliverable Management: Manage the complete lifecycle of content creation, from ideation to final delivery. Develop detailed project plans and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion and high-quality deliverables.

  • Timeline and Priority Management: Independently prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, developing and maintaining detailed project schedules. Communicate project status and updates effectively to stakeholders.

  • Learner Support and Course Improvement: Provide technical support and guidance to learners, address their questions and challenges, and participate in course evaluation and improvement initiatives by gathering and analyzing learner feedback.

  • Continuous Learning and Contribution: Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in data science and AI. Contribute to marketing and promotional materials for the course and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.

The ideal candidate has a background in data science and is naturally drawn to the areas of generative AI and data science in the classroom. The Researcher will work closely with Professor Lakhani and teaching faculty involved in the design and implementation of this course.

This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Potential Outcome: This is an exciting opportunity that will provide the successful candidate with first-hand exposure to world-class faculty, and an ideal environment in which to advance one’s own learning and professional development. The role could aid an individual with long-term aspirations of seeking a PhD, as it will help to develop and build a platform of research and writing in the fields of business analytics, digital transformation, and data science.School/Unit:Harvard Business School EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Job Summary:Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks Research Associates (RA) to support faculty members in the Technology and Operations Management (TOM) unit and the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard in creating innovative teaching materials for MBAs and Executive Education participants on applied data science and artificial intelligence (AI). The course Data Science and AI for Leaders (DSAIL) aims to be an “AI-first” course at Harvard, incorporating the latest developments in Generative AI for pedagogical advancements.Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.

  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.

  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-KD1About Us:Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School (www.hbs.edu) is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. The School offers two full-time MBA and PhD programs, more than 175 Executive Education programs, and certificates and courses through Harvard Business School Online. For more than a century, Harvard Business School faculty have drawn on their research, connection to practice, global expertise, and passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. The School and its curriculum attract the boldest thinkers and the most collaborative learners who will shape the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.

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