Postdoctoral Fellow, HBS AI Institute - Platform Lab
Harvard University
Closes:
Salary: $75,000 per year
278
Postdoctoral Fellow, HBS AI Institute - Platform Lab
Postdoctoral
Dec 1, 2026
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Harvard University
Type
Full time
Salary
$75,000 yearly
Research Areas
Business & Economics
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Position Details
Title: Postdoctoral Fellow, HBS AI Institute - Platform Lab
School: Harvard Business School
Position Description
The Platform Lab, led by Professors Chiara Farronato and Feng Zhu, at the HBS AI Institute is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow for the academic year 2027 – 2028.
The mission of the Platform Lab is to provide a research-based roadmap for businesses and policymakers that are interested in creating an innovative platform ecosystem. The postdoctoral fellows will work under the direct supervision of faculty Principal Investigators and the Senior Associate Director, Lab Operations. They will work closely with the lab manager and research associate(s) at each lab. The HBS AI Institute is looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or new perspectives. There are no teaching requirements for these open positions.
A typical empirical project involves refining a research question, designing an experiment or survey, analyzing historical and experimental data, and writing research papers targeted at peer reviewed social science journals. Candidates should have good familiarity with:
Causal analysis and experimental design: difference-in-differences and fixed effects models, instrumental variables, treatment selection, power analysis, analysis of attrition and non-compliance, analysis of heterogenous effects and treatment-control interference.
Programming/scripting knowledge suitable for processing raw data for analysis (e.g., text manipulation);
One or more computational environments for statistical analysis (e.g., MATLAB, R, or Stata);
Writing papers for management and economics journals;
Interest in platforms, digitization, antitrust, network effects and/or strategy.
Basic Qualifications
A Ph.D. in economics, business, or related field. All degree requirements must be satisfied prior to the fellowship start date.
Strong team player with excellent communication skills.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have obtained your Ph.D. in the past 12 months you must be able to provide a certificate of completion from the degree-granting institution OR a letter from the institution’s Registrar stating all requirements for the degree have been successfully completed and should verify the date the degree has been conferred. No exceptions.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Application Details:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please apply via the ARIeS system. Please do not contact lab faculty. For full consideration, please apply by December 1st, 2026.
All applications should include the following:
Curriculum vitae
Copy of academic records (unofficial records are acceptable)
2-page research statement
Two research papers
Contact details of at least two references
Candidates may be asked to do an interview and present their research as part of the search process.
Additional Information
This is a term position starting July 2027 and ending on June 30, 2028. Relocation funding not provided.
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 the lab PIs.
Please note that we will be conducting interviews virtually (phone and/or Zoom) for selected candidates until further notice.
Contact Information
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA 02163
Contact Email: grose@hbs.edu
Salary Range
$75,000 annually
Minimum Number of References Required: 2
Maximum Number of References Allowed: 4
Job details
Title
Postdoctoral Fellow, HBS AI Institute - Platform Lab
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Oct 23, 2026
Closes:
Dec 1, 2026
Job type
Full time, Academic / Faculty, Business & Economics
📋What is the Postdoctoral Fellow, HBS AI Institute - Platform Lab?
This listing is for Postdoctoral Fellow, HBS AI Institute - Platform Lab at Harvard University.
📍Where is this role located?
The listed location is Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
💰What is the salary?
The listed salary is $75,000 yearly.
📅When do applications close?
Applications close on Dec 1, 2026.
💼What type of appointment is this?
The listed type is Full time.
📝How do I apply?
Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.
About the employer
Harvard University
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Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. 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Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.