Research Associate (Pre-doctoral)
Professor Ray Kluender, an economist at Harvard Business School, is seeking a full-time Research Associate for one year or more, beginning in summer 2022. The Research Associate (RA) will assist with the daily operations of research projects in in the fields of household finance and health economics. Projects will include both large datasets and randomized control trials in partnership with start-ups in financial and insurance technology and the non-profit sector. The broad research agenda will focus on understanding the causes of financial distress among American households and how government, private insurance, and credit markets should function to insure those risks.
The RA will report directly to Professor Kluender and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal RA 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. health care claims), unique data from new start-ups (e.g. bankruptcy applications from a non-profit, data from an insurance technology company), and assist with the execution of human subjects 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.
The qualified individual should demonstrate strong skills of:
· 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.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required. This position is ideal for candidates with an interest in economics who have plans for future doctoral studies.
Additional Qualifications:
Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience. Strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected. Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, research, analytical, writing, and editing skills are required.
Please Note:
This is a full-time term appointment starting summer 2022, with likely reappointment for the next year and further. All Research Associate roles at Harvard Business School are benefits-eligible and structured as one-year term appointments with potential for renewal. Preference for candidates willing to commit for 2 years.
Candidates should not reach out to Professor Kluender directly.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, a cover letter and resume are required for full consideration. Upon the review of application materials, applicants may be asked to submit a writing sample, and transcript(s). All candidates in consideration will be given a writing exam.
Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
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. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.
While we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, we appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. Please note that we will be conducting interviews virtually (phone and or Zoom) for selected candidates until further notice.
Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
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.