What are the responsibilities and job description for the Predoctoral Research Associate - Finance position at Harvard University?
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or business-related field required.
Demonstrated experience with STATA or Python is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and / or applied experience. Methodological interests in econometrics, statistics, machine learning, industrial organization, productivity, and economic theory are preferred. 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 term appointment starting July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2027, based on funding and performance. All Predoctoral Research Associate roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty strongly prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.
Please note that part-time researcher roles can be paired with other part-time researcher postings for a full-time opportunity.
The recruiting process is rolling. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, now through spring 2025.
Candidates with external deadlines should notify the recruiter as soon as possible.
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 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. 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 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 / .
Position Description
Harvard Business School seeks a part-time (20 hours per week) Predoctoral Research Associate (RA) to work with a faculty member in our Finance unit. The RA will assist with the daily operations of academic projects in a variety of fields, such as asset pricing, monetary policy, and macro finance. This position is ideal for candidates with an interest in finance or economics who have plans for doctoral studies after working as a Predoctoral Research Associate for two years.
The RA will report directly to the faculty and to an administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.
Primary Duties :
- Develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques.
- Manage and manipulate data using requested packages, such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB, as well as Git.
- Collect, clean, synthesize, and analyze data. Produce statistical models. Provide analysis of data exhibits for academic journal articles. Provide statistical analysis and design for reports and presentations.
- Balance project requests from multiple faculty members, 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 may be assigned.
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.
Commitment to Equity, 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 :
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.
Salary : $5,250
