Research Associate @ Harvard Business School

March 31, 2020

Research Associate The Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness 

The Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness (www.isc.hbs.edu) is a joint Institute of Harvard University and Harvard Business School, dedicated to supporting and extending the research pioneered by Professor Porter and disseminating it to scholars and practitioners on a global basis. The Institute is focused on the study of competition and its implications for the strategy of companies and other types of organizations, the competitiveness of nations, regions and cities, and new ways to address social challenges such as health care, environmental impact, corporate social responsibility, and philanthropy. 

The Research Associate, based at the ISC and working directly with Professor Porter and team, will focus almost exclusively on Professor Porter’s health care research stream. There may also be some opportunity to work on strategy or economic development depending on the candidate. 

Professor Porter’s 2006 book, Redefining Health Care, offers a value-based framework for understanding the problems in health care delivery in the United States and other countries (http://www.hbs.edu/rhc/index.html). A large body of additional research and curriculum development has occurred over the past several years. As a member of Professor Porter’s value-based health care team, the Research Associate will assist Professor Porter in advancing this research, including contributing to research projects in the ISC, and in partnership with outside organizations. The Research Associate is expected to develop case studies and other teaching materials, peer-reviewed publications, and aid in policy and management research. The Research Associate will also assist with developing presentations to domestic and international audiences, and representing Professor Porter to important constituencies. 

The Research Associate will assist with the content development and administration of Professor Porter’s health care courses, currently including a week-long intensive seminar for Harvard graduate students and practicing physicians as well as two 3-day Senior Executive programs for C-level representatives of leading health care organizations. The Research Associate will work closely with the ISC’s health care research team and the rest of the ISC research team. 

Basic Qualifications: 

BA/BS with minimum of 2-4 years of related experience required. Advanced degree such as MPH/MPP, related MA, or MD/MBA is preferred. 

Additional Qualifications: 

A strong passion for health care delivery is essential. Experience or training in health care delivery is highly desirable. Experience in a top-tier management consulting firm is desirable. 

Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. 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. Experience with data analysis is desirable; strong skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite are expected. Fluency in English as a primary written and spoken language is required. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong conceptual ability; high quality of mind; excellent writing skills; the ability to work productively under time pressure; ability to interact successfully with senior leaders; the capacity to work well with others and independently; willingness to travel (the travel expected is modest); and comfort in an academic environment. 

Additional Information: 

This is a full-time term appointment starting this summer (start date flexible) through June 30, 2021, with strong potential for reappointment. The ideal candidate should be willing to commit to work at the Institute for two or more years in order to attain a mastery of the subject. 

Applicants should not reach out to Professor Porter directly. 

Harvard Business School does not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity. 

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 positions will be given a writing exam. 

To Apply: 

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Andressa Martins at amartins@hbs.edu. Please be sure to include “ISC RA” in the subject field.