Pittinsky's research lab focuses on the psychological science of leadership and the nature of allophilia (intergroup liking) in intergroup relations. He uses quantitative and qualitative research methods in the laboratory and the field. He earned his BA in psychology from Yale University, his MA in psychology from Harvard, and his PhD in organizational behavior from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. In 2002 Pittinsky was selected to represent Harvard in the Young Faculty Leaders Forum, a working group of faculty members selected from America's leading universities.