Research Assistant, Global Initiative

Location: San Mateo, CA, us Department: Global Initiative Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Established in 1997, the HBS California Research Center (CRC) connects Harvard Business School with the West Coast business community and helps faculty translate insights from a rapidly changing business environment into engaging learning experiences for the classroom. Based in San Mateo, California, the CRC primarily supports faculty research on West Coast companies, with much of its work focused on developing case studies and other curricular materials. The team scopes projects with faculty, conducts in-depth public-source research, interviews executives and business leaders, and co-authors premium academic content. Since its founding, the CRC has developed more than 500 cases spanning technology, entrepreneurship, venture capital, leadership, and organizational culture. Its work also includes facilitating company visits, faculty immersions, and conversations with business leaders.

The CRC also works with partners across Harvard Business School—including the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, Admissions, Career & Professional Development, and Alumni Relations—to create programs and experiences for students, alumni, applicants, and faculty. Across these activities, the CRC’s mission is to connect HBS with the people, companies, ideas, and opportunities shaping business on the West Coast and beyond.

Job Description

Job Summary

The California Research Center is seeking an intellectually curious, organized, and highly collaborative Research Assistant to support our research team.

This could be an outstanding early-career role for someone eager to learn, willing to roll up their sleeves, and comfortable contributing wherever their teammates need support. The Research Assistant will work closely with CRC staff on a range of projects. Much of the position’s time will be devoted to supporting case-study development through research, proofreading, editing, formatting, and other content-related work. The balance will involve project coordination, administrative tasks, presentations, events, and other school-facing projects.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Research and Content Support

Provide research support for case studies, academic materials, and other CRC deliverables.

Conduct research on companies, industries, technologies, business models, and markets.

Identify, gather, and evaluate information from financial, industry, news, company, and archival sources.

Synthesize research findings into clear summaries, background materials, timelines, company profiles, and other materials for use by senior team members.

Fact-check and verify information, citations, financial figures, and other details in case studies and related materials.

Proofread, copyedit, format, and quality-check written materials, presentations, and research deliverables.

Stay current on business and technology news and develop familiarity with the companies, industries, and management topics relevant to CRC projects.

Project, Administrative, and Program Coordination

Support CRC staff on multiple projects at different stages of development.

Track assigned tasks, timelines, deliverables, and follow-up items.

Organize and maintain project files, research materials, databases, and citations.

Schedule interviews and meetings and assist with related preparation and follow-up.

Provide general administrative and ad hoc support to the CRC team.

Support alumni outreach and CRC events and programs.

Coordinate event logistics, including venues, invitations, RSVPs, catering, materials, and expenses, and help ensure that programs are executed smoothly and professionally.

Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with

colleagues and various constituents.

This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or another field emphasizing rigorous analytical and qualitative work.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret financial and other business information and synthesize qualitative insights.

Demonstrable knowledge of developments and trends in business and technology.

Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.

Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Comfort working collaboratively on a team and taking initiative when priorities shift.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Familiarity with generative AI tools and sound judgment regarding their appropriate use.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard Univ