Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies in Engineering Sciences

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Harvard University seeks an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies in Engineering Sciences to advise students, lead undergraduate teaching, and help manage ABET accreditation for Electrical Engineering and Environmental Science & Engineering tracks. The role spans coordination with SEAS faculty, mentorship, and curriculum governance.

The position involves contributing to recruitment/orientation and supporting student research opportunities and internships, with a hybrid on‑campus and remote

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, environmental engineering, engineering design or closely related field required.
• Submit a cover letter and a resume or CV for consideration.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, advise, or mentor undergraduates with a focus on development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for inclusive education and governance.

Responsibilities

• Advise undergraduates in Engineering Sciences and related programs, guiding academic paths.
• Lead or co-teach undergraduate engineering courses and supervise independent studies.
• Support program operations, degree audits, and policy interpretation for ABET accreditation.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to maintain curriculum documentation and resources.

Skills

Teaching

Advising

Mentoring

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in electrical engineering, environmental engineering, engineering design or related field

Job description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Summary:

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies (ADUS) in Engineering Sciences with a concurrent dependent lectureship in Engineering Sciences (reflecting the course-instruction component of this 100% staff role). The ADUS for Engineering Sciences serves as a primary advisor, strategic leader, and a key instructor for our undergraduate Electrical & Computer Engineering and Environmental Science & Engineering programs. Reporting academically to the Area Chair for these concentrations and administratively to the Senior Director for Undergraduate Education, the ADUS works collaboratively with faculty and staff leadership to cultivate a vibrant, supportive, and innovative undergraduate engineering community.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Undergraduate Advising

• Serve as the primary academic advisor for students navigating degree options within the Electrical & Computer Engineering and Environmental Science & Engineering programs, helping students to align their academic choices with their long‑term goals. Specifically, this includes students within the Electrical Engineering SB, Engineering Sciences AB – Electrical and Computer Engineering Track, Environmental Science & Engineering AB, Engineering Sciences SB – Environmental Science & Engineering track. The ADUS may be assigned additional advisees from the other undergraduate engineering concentrations.
• Champion the engineering programs at recruitment and orientation events, acting as a committed ambassador for admitted and current prospective students.
• Mentor students, in coordination with relevant offices at SEAS and Harvard College, to help bridge the gap between their academics and career, by actively guiding students toward campus resources and impactful research opportunities, industry internships, and post‑graduate careers.
• Provide academic advising and mentorship on policy to admitted Harvard students, pre‑concentrators, and concentrators.

Undergraduate Teaching

• Lead hands‑on, project‑based learning by teaching or co‑teaching one undergraduate engineering course per semester as assigned, focusing on the undergraduate engineering design curriculum (ES 55, ES 100hf), but with the potential for other disciplinary courses.
• Support student cultivation of real‑world skills as the co‑instructor on record for the independent study (ES 91r) and experiential study (EXPSTDY 1r) courses.

Academic Administration

• Oversee programmatic operations and student progress for current and prospective concentrators in the Engineering Sciences programs by managing degree audit records, approving concentration declarations, and reviewing student course petitions.
• Maintain the public and internal face of the concentrations by keeping curriculum documentation, digital resources, and study plans current and accessible.
• Play a key role in program quality and governance by supporting the ABET accreditation processes for the Electrical Engineering SB and Engineering Sciences SB concentrations, and serving as an active member of the Undergraduate Engineering Committee responsible for SEAS’ undergraduate engineering policies.

Additional Duties May Include

• Drive pedagogical innovation by collaborating with faculty to develop cutting‑edge course content, key laboratory modules, and modern teaching methodologies.
• Empower student innovation by providing mentorship and guidance to relevant engineering student clubs and competitive teams.

Working Conditions:

The work is performed in an office environment. See Additional Information section for information about the on‑campus schedule.

Physical Requirements:

No significant physical requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in electrical engineering, environmental engineering, engineering design or a closely related field is required.
• To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter and a resume or CV.
• Please refer to the Additional Information section for more information.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to teach, train, advise, or mentor undergraduate students or early‑career professionals, with a commitment to supporting their academic and professional development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships, and foster an inclusive, supportive, and engaging educational environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage complex academic and administrative processes, including accreditation, program assessment, and curricular or student tracking.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week. The regular on‑campus schedule during academic semesters varies from 4-5 days a week, depending on teaching schedule and other responsibilities. The schedule may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • In addition, please submit a list of publications, and a statement of teaching philosophy and interests.
  • Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation, including at least one that addresses teaching ability.
  • This position includes an unpaid dependent lectureship that runs concurrently with the salaried position.

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 058. 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 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.