Position Description

Harvard Business School and Professor Ray Kluender, an economist at HBS, are seeking a full-time Predoctoral Research Associate for at least one year, beginning July 1st, 2025. The Predoctoral Research Associate will assist with the daily operations of research projects in the fields of household finance, public economics, and entrepreneurship. Projects will include both large datasets and randomized control trials in partnership with start-ups in financial and insurance technology, the non-profit sector, and government. The broad research agenda will focus on understanding the causes of financial distress among American households and how innovative firms and public policy can improve outcomes.

The Predoc will report directly to Professor Kluender and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal Predoc 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:

Use statistical software to work with large data sets, including large administrative data (e.g. financial transactions data for fintech users), unique data from new start-ups (e.g. bankruptcy applications from a legal technology company), and assist with the execution of human subject experiments.
Participate in meetings, conduct literature reviews, and assist with IRB, data use applications, and progress reports.
Independently manage all timelines and deliverables.
Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies.
Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.
This position is ideal for candidates with an interest in economics who have plans for future doctoral studies.
Statistical programming (coding will primarily be done in STATA but experience with R or other programs also qualifies), and a basic understanding of economics and econometrics is strongly encouraged.
Strong critical thinking and excellent writing skills to assist with drafting of manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, research, analytical, writing, and editing skills are required.
Strong skills related to Microsoft Office Suite are expected.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience.
Ability 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

These are term appointments 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.

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/.

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.

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:

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.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, 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.

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.

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