Pre-doc Fellow

16-Feb-2024

Harvard Business School

65071BR

Position Description

Harvard Business School (HBS) seeks a part-time Predoctoral Fellow to work with faculty in our Finance unit. Fellows will assist with the daily operations of academic projects across their faculty’s research agenda. Research often draws heavily on applied econometrics and microeconomic theory. These positions are ideal for candidates with an interest and plans for doctoral studies in business, economics, finance, or business fields after working as a Predoctoral Fellow for two years.

The Fellows will report directly to the faculty and 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:

• Fellows will develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques. They will manage and manipulate data using requested packages, such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• 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.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or business-related field required.

Statistical/programming experience and/or applied experience with Python, STATA, R, or MATLAB.

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

These are term appointments starting July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2026 based on funding and performance. All Predoctoral Fellow roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty strongly 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 you and your manager.

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.

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/.

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.
• 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.

Department Office Location

USA – MA – Boston

Job Code

RS0055 Researcher I Humanities

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Division of Research and Faculty Development

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2025

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-AF1