Global Fieldwork Operations Lead

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Assistant Director of Fieldwork Operations to provide expert operational support for domestic and international field research, including in high-risk settings. The role collaborates with the Director of International and Field Research to enable safe, compliant research activities across divisions and campuses.

The position emphasizes fieldwork planning, researcher support, risk mitigation, and process improvements to align with institutional policies and

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational guidance for complex fieldwork across Science Division units and other academic divisions as needed.
• Advise and assist researchers and departmental staff with compliant transportation of research materials and deployment of equipment abroad or in the field.
• Help plan and fund fieldwork activities and ensure compliant mechanisms.
• Develop practical solutions to fieldwork challenges under time-sensitive conditions.
• Advise on responses to fieldwork incidents and participate in post-incident reviews to identify improvements.

Skills

Research administration

Operations

International fieldwork

Policy compliance

Risk mitigation

Stakeholder advisory

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Harvard systems

Job description

Harvard University is seeking an Assistant Director of Fieldwork Operations to provide expert operational support for domestic and international field research, including in high-risk settings. The role collaborates with the Director of International and Field Research to enable safe, compliant research activities across divisions and campuses.

The position emphasizes fieldwork planning, researcher support, risk mitigation, and process improvements to align with institutional policies and