Research Associates

Professional Research Staff

Research Associates have the unmatched opportunity to work closely with world-renowned faculty on the research, case studies, and coursework that shape the world’s leaders.

Two people sit outside and chat in Schwartz Common on a sunny day.

Being a Research Associate (RA) means embracing a dynamic and varied routine with endless opportunities for discovery and growth.

On any given day you might analyze data; delve into the resources of our world-class library; or write the story that brings a business situation to life.

You may travel across town—or around the world—to conduct field interviews with senior-level executives or spend time on the factory floor.

Your could involve meet with a faculty member to design a new course, or visit our world-class Baker Library to synthesize cutting-edge research to address critical global challenges. You’ll have the chance to engage with diverse perspectives, learn from experts across disciplines, and contribute to the academic rigor that defines Harvard Business School (HBS).

Investigation, discovery, and analysis make for a rich and rewarding experience that supports the HBS mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.

Join us, and put your curiosity to work.

Predoctoral Research

An opportunity to expand your research resume before pursuing doctoral studies.

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Many RA opportunities are ideal for Predoctoral candidates as these positions represent a powerful opportunity for qualified candidates to expand their research resume before pursuing doctoral studies.

Why become a Research Associate?

“This is a job for people who like to go after detail, who like to go after specifics, who like to think and research broadly but then be able to extract very specific, very clear recommendations, information, trends out of very broad, diverse literature.”

— Manjari Raman

Two women studying together with their laptops.

  • Predoctoral Roles

    Many RA positions are particularly well-suited for aspiring doctoral students. These highly competitive roles focus primarily on academic research, and typically involve advanced methodologies and techniques.

  • Career Outcomes

    Working as an RA can open the door to a fulfilling career in a variety of industries. Whether they are recent college graduates or seasoned professionals, RAs use these roles to hone highly transferrable skills.

  • Benefits & Compensation

    As employees of Harvard Business School, RAs earn a competitive salary for academic research, along with a robust benefits package featuring paid time off, health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, and more.

There is no typical Research Associate

"A broad range of people make up the RA community. Some of us are just out of college, but there are also people who have law degrees, some who have Ph.D.s, and others who have taught in the past or worked in consulting. It’s a very interesting, diverse group.”

- Nicole Bennett

A group studies together in Schwartz Commons on a nice spring day.