Harvard Business School is inviting applications for a full-time Research Associate (RA) for the academic year 2023-2024 to work with HBS faculty Olivia Kim in the Entrepreneurial Management unit. The RA will assist with the daily operations of projects related to how firms and households make financial decisions using detailed microeconomic administrative data and natural experiment-based empirical strategies. Current projects include examining how family dynamics affect firm investment; the effect of improving credit access for stay-at-home spouses and secondary earners on consumption decisions of US couples. This position is ideal for candidates who have plans to pursue doctoral studies in economics, finance, or related fields in two years.
This term appointment starts this summer (Start date flexible) through June 30, 2024, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2025 based on funding and performance. All Research Associates roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty prefer candidates willing to commit for two years. 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 2-4 days per week. Specific days and schedule will be determined between the ideal candidate and manager. Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
Roles/Responsibilities
- Build and manage large datasets using big data programming languages (e.g., Python, Scala, SQL).
- Provide statistical and visual analytics for academic presentations, journal articles, and policy reports.
- Edit, and draft content for reports to policymakers, academic papers, grant proposals, research protocols, and other research materials.
- Coordinate with a variety of research team members at data partner organizations as well as academic collaborators.
- Communicate analytical insights and be directly involved in the research process.
- Develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for degrees in economics, mathematics, quantitative sciences. Substantial coursework in math and economics is required.
- Demonstrated proficiency in statistical languages or applied experience with Python, STATA, MATLAB, or R is required, along with strong programming aptitude and willingness to learn.
- Experience with big data computing on AWS or on a Hadoop platform; advanced technical programming (e.g., Python, Scala, SQL) skills; and experience working with technical collaboration tools (e.g., Git, Jira) are highly desirable.
Requirements
- Strong English written and verbal communication skills are valuable.
- Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience
- Ideal candidates are self-directed, intrinsically motivated, and able to work independently and solve problems.
- Enthusiasm for collaborating with a diverse team, including data partners is essential.
- 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.
Application Details
- A cover letter
- A writing sample
- Transcript
- A code sample to be reviewed by an HBS statistician.
The recruiting process is rolling. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, now through spring. Candidates with external deadlines should notify the recruiter as soon as possible. Candidate interviews may be conducted virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
