Research Assistant

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.

Established in 1997, the HBS California Research Center (CRC) connects Harvard Business School with the West Coast business community and helps faculty translate insights from a rapidly changing business environment into engaging learning experiences for the classroom. Based in San Mateo, California, the CRC primarily supports faculty research on West Coast companies, with much of its work focused on developing case studies and other curricular materials. The team scopes projects with faculty, conducts in-depth public-source research, interviews executives and business leaders, and co-authors premium academic content. Since its founding, the CRC has developed more than 500 cases spanning technology, entrepreneurship, venture capital, leadership, and organizational culture. Its work also includes facilitating company visits, faculty immersions, and conversations with business leaders.

The CRC also works with partners across Harvard Business School-including the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, Admissions, Career & Professional Development, and Alumni Relations-to create programs and experiences for students, alumni, applicants, and faculty. Across these activities, the CRC's mission is to connect HBS with the people, companies, ideas, and opportunities shaping business on the West Coast and beyond.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The California Research Center is seeking an intellectually curious, organized, and highly collaborative Research Assistant to support our research team.

This could be an outstanding early-career role for someone eager to learn, willing to roll up their sleeves, and comfortable contributing wherever their teammates need support. The Research Assistant will work closely with CRC staff on a range of projects. Much of the position's time will be devoted to supporting case-study development through research, proofreading, editing, formatting, and other content-related work. The balance will involve project coordination, administrative tasks, presentations, events, and other school-facing projects.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Research and Content Support

• Provide research support for case studies, academic materials, and other CRC deliverables.
• Conduct research on companies, industries, technologies, business models, and markets.
• Identify, gather, and evaluate information from financial, industry, news, company, and archival sources.
• Synthesize research findings into clear summaries, background materials, timelines, company profiles, and other materials for use by senior team members.
• Fact-check and verify information, citations, financial figures, and other details in case studies and related materials.
• Proofread, copyedit, format, and quality-check written materials, presentations, and research deliverables.
• Stay current on business and technology news and develop familiarity with the companies, industries, and management topics relevant to CRC projects.

Project, Administrative, and Program Coordination

• Support CRC staff on multiple projects at different stages of development.
• Track assigned tasks, timelines, deliverables, and follow-up items.
• Organize and maintain project files, research materials, databases, and citations.
• Schedule interviews and meetings and assist with related preparation and follow-up.
• Provide general administrative and ad hoc support to the CRC team.
• Support alumni outreach and CRC events and programs.
• Coordinate event logistics, including venues, invitations, RSVPs, catering, materials, and expenses, and help ensure that programs are executed smoothly and professionally.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with
  colleagues and various constituents.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, or another field emphasizing rigorous analytical and qualitative work.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret financial and other business information and synthesize qualitative insights.
• Demonstrable knowledge of developments and trends in business and technology.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Comfort working collaboratively on a team and taking initiative when priorities shift.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and sound judgment regarding their appropriate use.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our San Mateo, CA 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.
  • Finalists will be asked to undertake a timed writing assessment.
  • 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.

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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.