Pre-doc Fellow

01-Nov-2022

Harvard Business School

60462BR

Position Description

Professor Ray Kluender, an economist at Harvard Business School, is seeking a full-time Predoctoral Fellow for one year or more, beginning in summer 2023. The Fellow will assist with research projects in in the fields of household finance, labor, and public economics. Projects will include large administrative datasets, surveys, 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 Fellow will report directly to Professor Kluender and administrative manager in the Research Staff Services office. Ideal 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. bank account transactions data), unique data from new start-ups (e.g. bankruptcy applications from a non-profit, surveys of inflation and policy expectations), and assist with the execution of experiments.
• Participate in meetings, conduct literature reviews, and assist with IRB, data use applications, and progress reports. The position will involve working closely with Professor Kluender across all steps of the research process.
• 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.
• Other duties may be assigned.

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 an 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 and Skills

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.

Additional Information

Candidates should not reach out to Professor Kluender directly.

This is a full-time term appointments starting July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, with an expectation of reappointment until June 30, 2025. All Predoctoral Fellow roles at HBS are structured as one-year term appointments, but faculty prefer candidates willing to commit for two years.

The recruiting process is rolling. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, now through spring. Candidates with external deadlines should notify the recruiter as soon as possible.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. All candidates will be expected to submit a writing sample and transcript. Candidates will submit sample coding to be reviewed by an HBS statistician.
Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Our salaries – combined with comprehensive benefits, generous paid time-off, access to education and professional development, and a vibrant campus with abundant cultural and recreational opportunities – create a competitive and compelling total rewards package.

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.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status 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 HBS work culture at https://www.hbs.edu/employment/.

Location

USA – MA – Boston

Job Code

RS0055 Researcher I Humanities

Department

Division of Research and Faculty Development

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2024

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.