Case Researcher

Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD)

The mission of Harvard Business School (HBS) is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Within HBS, by providing unparalleled faculty support, the DRFD helps to build and develop the faculty; and facilitates the creation of enduring knowledge that shapes both business scholarship and the practice of business. As the School’s largest administrative department, the DRFD houses approximately 350 full-time and part-time staff members. As a premier service organization, and in collaboration with colleagues across the School, DRFD staff deliver high-touch, customized support to the faculty, demonstrating solid judgment and high standards of responsiveness and professionalism.

Case Research and Writing Group (CRG)

Within the DRFD, the CRG’s mission is to support faculty by providing high quality, high value, efficient and innovative case research, development, and writing. Case Researchers support HBS faculty members in their case writing and course development efforts and assist administrative and academic departments with research, case writing, and training services. We are a collaborative feedback-driven team.

Position Summary

Would you enjoy working alongside HBS faculty members as they study and teach about the defining leadership and organizational challenges of our time? Are you a strong writer who loves learning, is curious, and is excited about engaging with intellectual puzzles? If so, consider joining the CRG and becoming a Case Researcher. 

Case Researchers help HBS faculty members develop and write course materials, in particular case studies, that train future leaders in the HBS MBA and Executive Education programs. HBS cases are sold worldwide and impact tens of thousands of students.

To do so, we interview business leaders and others (politicians, professional athletes, entertainers, philanthropists, and more) about their most pressing challenges and organizational dilemmas. Travel may be involved. In addition to interviews, we gather library research, and then we write. Case Researchers occasionally work on other course development projects (such as video supplements or teaching guides) and participate in CRG recruiting, training, and mentoring activities.

We are actively hiring for two Case Researcher openings under this posting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Reporting to either the CRG’s Director or Assistant Director, the Case Researcher:

• Writes case studies based on field and/or library research, supports the development of course materials, including teaching notes, technical notes, and multimedia materials; manages timelines, drafts and deliverables; and creates basic case components (e.g., tables, charts, graphs), in accordance with faculty guidance.
• Uses research and writing technologies and is willing to experiment with and learn from new tools, including AI, to enhance productivity, efficiency, and accuracy while maintaining high quality standards.
• Once experienced, Case Researchers are expected to participate in CRG-level activities such as recruiting, training, mentoring and on-boarding. 
• Builds trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of similar research and/or writing experience or a Master’s degree and 3 years of experience is required. 
• Candidates with less experience may be considered as a grade 55 Associate Case Researcher.

Other preferred qualifications:

• Ability to develop cases efficiently and to high quality standards. 
• Strong research and interpersonal skills, interviewing skills a plus.
• Project management skills across multiple projects with shifting deadlines and evolving scope.
• Solid judgment when evaluating information, interviewing decision-makers, and synthetizing complex ideas into compelling learning materials.
• Interest and ability to learn and apply emerging tools and technologies, including AI tools, to the development of case studies.
• Interest in technology and learning modalities, such as video and multimedia platforms.
• Openness to giving, receiving, and incorporating feedback.
• Editorial mindset, fact-checking skills, and attention to detail.
• Independent work style while seeking guidance as needed from CRG peers and faculty clients.
• Knowledge of a particular industry, geography, or foreign language, and familiarity with economics, finance, AI, or other business topics.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This position is offered as a one-year term appointment with an end date of one year from the first date of employment. Successful candidates have a strong possibility of renewal/extension.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education.
• Other Information:
  • 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. Writing samples, transcripts, and a skills assessment are required as part of the screening process.  

#LI-PG1 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 056. 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.