Research Manager, Digital Data Design Institute

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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.

Launched in 2022, the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3) is a global research center that provides research-driven insights, accessible to anyone in the world, on using AI and digital technologies to advance business and society.

Founded on the premise that AI technology is only half the answer and that businesses must also revamp their processes to harness AI’s potential, the Institute is made up of an unbiased, multidisciplinary team of researchers and scientists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. D^3 consists of numerous Harvard and Harvard Business School (HBS) faculty and produces cutting-edge research into the changes in the business landscape as a result of AI and digital transformation.

The Research Manager will manage and lead the delivery of a new and ambitious research program between the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3) and an established industry partner to advance research on digital transformation and artificial intelligence in business.

The Research Manager will report to D^3 Director of Research Services and an 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

• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Manage the research program in partnership with HBS faculty and external collaborators, ensuring alignment on goals, deliverables, and timelines.
• Represent the program to internal leadership and sponsoring funder, providing regular updates on progress, milestones, and deliverables.
• Project management including but not limited to tracking deliverables and project milestones, notes and actions from meetings with collaborators, and preparing budgets and monitoring spending.
• Assist faculty principal investigators in managing research compliance needs, including the coordination of Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, data use agreements (DUA), and data safety application process with researchers; promote best practices for the responsible conduct of research and research integrity.
• Oversee the planning and execution of conferences and events showcasing research outcomes to academic and industry audiences.
• Support the hiring, onboarding, and workflow of program staff.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to drive the creation and delivery of research driven insights for practitioner audiences.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• B.A., B.S., or equivalent bachelor’s degree is required
• 5+ years work experience in research administration, compliance, or project management is required

Additional Qualifications and Skills 

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience managing staff and teams preferred.
• Experience in higher education, research, or complex organizations such as Harvard Business School is helpful. Demonstrated understanding of research methods and protocols preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to effectively present information in a range of ways and to varied audiences, including HBS faculty and external executive level stakeholders.
• Proven ability to handle multiple work streams simultaneously, to adapt to changes in priorities, and to remove obstacles when necessary; ability to work calmly under pressure, work both independently and as a leader, take initiative; and follow projects through to completion.

Candidates with significant advanced experience may be considered at a higher salary grade (57).

Additional Information: This is an immediate hire full-time term position through April 14, 2026, with strong potential for reappointment based on funding and performance.

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: We are reviewing applicants on a rolling basis and encourage applying ASAP for consideration.

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, writing sample, and transcripts are required to be considered for this opportunity.

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.