Remote Associate Director, Research Admin & Finance

Harvard University; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Associate Director of Research Administration and Finance within the Department of Systems Biology. This role leads a team of research administrators, providing strategic oversight of sponsored and non-sponsored funding across pre- and post-award cycles, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

You will partner with faculty, HMS ORA, OSP, and central offices to manage budgets, grants, and audits, while shaping policies, controls, and scalable processes to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.
• Supervisory experience.
• MBA or related master’s degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of research administrators and finance professionals.
• Provide strategic oversight of research administration and financial operations.
• Oversee departmental pre‑award operations, budgeting, and policy guidance.
• Manage post‑award financial activities including reporting, cost transfers, and allocations.
• Establish and oversee compliance with sponsor and regulatory requirements; internal controls.
• Collaborate with HMS offices and external partners to manage complex sponsored programs.
• Represent the department on committees and initiatives related to research administration.

Skills

MBA

Microsoft Office

Harvard financial systems

Excel

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Human subjects knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

MBA or related master’s degree

Tools

Excel

MS Office Suite

Job description

Harvard University is seeking an Associate Director of Research Administration and Finance within the Department of Systems Biology. This role leads a team of research administrators, providing strategic oversight of sponsored and non-sponsored funding across pre- and post-award cycles, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

You will partner with faculty, HMS ORA, OSP, and central offices to manage budgets, grants, and audits, while shaping policies, controls, and scalable processes to