Research Associate, Project of Israel

November 04, 2025

001561SR

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.

Job Description

Harvard Business School seeks a Research Associate to support a Project on Israel led by Professors Paul Gompers and Raffaella Sadun. Israel is often held up for its entrepreneurship policy worldwide, combining both an active public sector set of policies as well as private sector investment. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in reskilling, innovation, and the startup ecosystem within Israel.

The Research Associate works remotely and is based in Israel and reports directly to faculty supervisors and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal predoctoral RA candidates will be comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment. This is an ideal opportunity for candidates interested in pursuing doctoral studies in the future.

Primary duties:

• Build trust and collaboration by engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Create a database of entrepreneurial ventures and reskilling initiatives in Israel.
• Coordinate with partner organizations in Israel for access to data and support the running of randomized clinical trials.
• Collect and analyze data using statistical methods on reskilling and entrepreneurial ventures in Israel.
• Work under the general direction of HBS faculty on topics central to HBS research agenda. Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis and interpretation to faculty members. Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to faculty's research agenda.
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with department, University, and federal regulations. Complete work with only general direction. Be aware of department, School, University policies and potential outside research policies.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and advanced coursework in economics, mathematics, quantitative sciences, or business-related field required.
• Statistical programming and a basic understanding of econometrics. Proficiency in Stata, SAS, R, and/or Python.

Additional Qualifications:

• Proven evidence of independent research in specific advanced field of study.
• Demonstrated skill at navigating complex organizations.
• Proven ability to work independently and creatively.
• This position requires an individual capable of consistent use of discretion, judgment, and initiative. Evidence of prior high-quality, original academic writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature. Ability to read academic, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• Diplomatic skills, comfort in interacting with prominent individuals, and grace under pressure are essential.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027. These are term appointments starting winter 2025 through June 30, 2027, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2028, 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.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
• Other Information: A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. All candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample, transcript, and at times a code sample to be reviewed by an HBS statistician.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.