Research Operations Administrator

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Research Operations Administrator in the Department of Psychology. The role provides high-level administrative and operational support for researchers, coordinating study pools, payments, IRB oversight, and fund tracking.

You will work with faculty and staff to ensure smooth lab operations, onboarding, and space planning, with a mix of on-campus and hybrid work.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in higher education.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide onboarding/offboarding and high-level operational support for 300+ researchers across 30 labs.
• Manage Psychology Study Pool, including SONA updates, posting reviews, and IRB oversight.
• Coordinate local procedures for human subject payments.
• Oversee restricted fund application and award tracking.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

CITI Certification

Job description

Company 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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director in the Department of Psychology, the Research Operations Administrator oversees the Study Pool and works directly with faculty to provide high-level administrative and operational support for researchers in labs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Manage Research Programs

• Provide local onboarding/offboarding and high-level operational support for 300+ pre- and post-doctoral researchers across 30 labs
• Manage Psychology Study Pool, including SONA updates, review/approval of study postings, and IRB oversight/compliance
• Coordinate local procedure for human subject participant payments
• Oversee restricted fund application and award tracking process

Manage Research Facilities

• Coordinate with ED and OPRP on space planning needs
• Coordinate with local Building Ops for requests related to: furniture, painting/cleaning offices, keys, swipe access, technology upgrades, etc.
• Coordinate annual space survey in consultation with OPRP and lab staff
• Support Department Operations
• Assist ED with lab personnel requests
• Approve time for Research Assistants in labs
• Oversee equipment tagging and computer inventory
• Manage research events (Festschrifts, Colloquia, etc.)
• Support department communications (local newsletter, Slack, social media, swag, etc.)

Working Conditions

• May be expected to work on campus up to 4 days per week.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in higher education

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Background in Psychology helpful but not required.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, including a demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Customer service orientation with excellent organizational, logistical, and time management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot using creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and sound judgment.

Certificates and Licenses

• CITI Certification required within first 90 days.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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 056. 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 to 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.