Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks a part-time (20 hours per week) Research Associate to work with a faculty member in our D^3 Digital Emotions Lab from January - June 2026. The ideal candidate brings a quantitative background, data management experience, and an interest in academic research focused on behavioral psychology. This position is ideal preparation for a career in project management, consulting, or other academic research roles. The Researcher will report directly to the faculty and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal candidates will be familiar with best practices for project management in computer science and be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.
Primary Duties:
Partner with HBS faculty member on topics central to HBS research agenda. Provide advanced subject-area expertise, analysis, and interpretation to faculty member. Act with a high degree of autonomy.
Establish and maintain effective data management practices to support the faculty and projects within the lab.
Balance multiple project requests from faculty member, using strong communication and prioritization skills. Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
Independently manage all timelines and deliverables. Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies.
Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required with a preference for computer science, economics, mathematics, or quantitative sciences.
Familiarity with Git and best practices for code and data management in computer science.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Statistical/programming experience and/or applied experience with Python, STATA, R, or MATLAB.
Candidates with significant advanced experience may be considered at a higher salary grade (56).
An advanced degree with at least 3 years relevant work experience, or bachelor's degree with a least 5 years of relevant work experience are preferred.
Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. 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 part-time term appointment starting now through June 30, 2026, with potential for re-appointment for the following year. All HBS RA roles are structured as one-year appointments.
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 3 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, transcript, and a code sample. Candidates may be asked to complete a quantitative exercise 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 HBS work culture at https://www.hbs.edu/employment/.
About Us
Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 250 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and PhD degrees, as well as more than 175 Executive Education programs, and Harvard Business School Online, the School's digital learning platform. For more than a century, faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their 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 go on to shape the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.
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.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Boston
Job Code: RS0055 Researcher I Humanities
Job Function: Research
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 055
Department: Division of Research and Faculty Development
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Part-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
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.
EOE 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.
