Research Associate Harvard University Business School

Job Summary

Are you someone who loves to dive deep into research and uncover meaningful insights? Do you enjoy big ideas but also have a sharp eye for detail? Are you a voracious reader who processes the world through writing? Do want to play a role on a small, high-energy team? The Mid-US Research Center in Columbus, OH is seeking a Research Associate to support our work in advancing the School?s mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.

The MRC?s primary mission is to facilitate faculty research and case study writing on companies in the Midwest, South, and Mountain regions. Since its opening, the MRC has helped develop more than 35 cases, which are used in multiple units within the School's MBA and Executive Education programs. Recent cases examine Fed Ex?s response to a cyberattack, assess Deion Sanders? leadership style and impact on college football, explore Uncle Nearest?s rapid growth and expansion strategy, and evaluate the transformation of Lowe?s.

As part of its faculty support, the MRC also creates tailored immersion experiences for professors, connecting faculty ideas to business in action. Apart from research, the MRC also assists in the development of high impact programs in partnership with other areas of the school including the Institute for Business in Society, Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, Admissions, and Alumni Relations.

The Research Associate will report to the MRC?s Executive Director based in Columbus, OH and will work under direction from the MRC?s Senior Researchers and Senior Coordinator.

Position Description

Responsibilities Include:

• Research and marketing:
  • Assist research team by gathering and synthesizing data from a variety of sources
  • Prepare background briefs summarizing information about a company or industry
  • Participate in drafting cases
  • Research industry and HBS contacts
  • Assist research team in case processing including citations, style guidelines, proofreading, exhibit production, and permissions for exhibits
  • Arrange faculty visits to companies relevant to research
• Office operations and administration:
  • Assist with preparation of Advisory Board meeting materials
  • Help track Office metrics through reporting and database entry
  • Help develop marketing materials
  • Research and book meeting/function venues, and handle other meeting logistics
  • Organize and trouble shoot office operations (ordering supplies, maintaining office equipment)
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• A master's degree with at least 3 years relevant work experience, or bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant work experience are required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• This position requires an energetic and highly responsive individual.
• The applicant should have a demonstrated interest in business.
• The successful candidate will have excellent writing skills, as well as organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service.
• The individual must be both resourceful and collaborative.
• Candidates must display professionalism, confidence, and poise in working with diverse constituents.
• Must have commitment to quality, excellence, and be detail-oriented.
• Experience working on a small, entrepreneurial team a plus.
• Candidates must provide 2 writing samples.
• Our expectations are that employees of HBS adhere to and represent our Community Values:
  • Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others
  • Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community
  • Accountability for personal behavior

Additional Information

This position is approved for a 2-year term (with possibility of renewal/extension) which begins on the person's first day of employment.

This role will be remotely based out of Columbus, Ohio. Candidates must reside in a commutable area to be considered. There may be periodic visits to our Boston, MA based campus.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

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 more about HBS work culture here

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) 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.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, 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 this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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.