Fieldwork Operations Leader — International Research

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans with university input

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Assistant Director of International and Field Research to provide expert operational support for complex fieldwork, including high-risk and remote environments. You will collaborate with the Director of International and Field Research and work across the Science Division and other divisions to ensure safe, compliant field research activities.

The role emphasizes policy interpretation, incident review, and process improvements to enable efficient fieldwork

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in research administration, operations, program management, international research support, fieldwork coordination, or a related area.
• Strong understanding of research operations and fieldwork logistics.
• Ability to advise stakeholders across multiple units and resolve non-routine fieldwork issues.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to develop procedures, training materials, and process improvements for fieldwork safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Advise on fieldwork operations and researcher support across Science Division units and other divisions.
• Assist in interpreting institutional policies and translating them into clear guidance for diverse field settings.
• Identify training needs and gaps in fieldwork practices, contributing to guidance and tools.
• Interpret and apply University, School, state, federal, sponsor, and international requirements for research operations.
• Advise on risk mitigation strategies for field-based research and researcher safety.
• Coordinate with units and central offices involved in research operations, travel, and compliance.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Judgment and discretion

Stakeholder advisory

Collaboration

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Harvard University is seeking an Assistant Director of International and Field Research to provide expert operational support for complex fieldwork, including high-risk and remote environments. You will collaborate with the Director of International and Field Research and work across the Science Division and other divisions to ensure safe, compliant field research activities.

The role emphasizes policy interpretation, incident review, and process improvements to enable efficient fieldwork