Research Operations Administrator

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks a Research Operations Administrator to support researchers in labs and oversee the Psychology Study Pool and compliance with IRB requirements.

Reporting to the Executive Director in Psychology, the role manages onboarding, space planning, and department operations, including time approvals for Research Assistants and coordination of events and communications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in higher education.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; psychology background helpful but not required.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Customer service orientation with strong organizational, logistical, and time management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot using creative problem-solving and critical thinking.
• CITI Certification required within first 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Manage Research Programs, including onboarding/offboarding for 300+ researchers across 30 labs.
• Oversee Psychology Study Pool, including SONA updates and IRB oversight/compliance.
• Coordinate local procedures for human subject payments and restricted fund tracking.
• Manage Research Facilities, space planning coordination, and collaboration with Building Ops on office needs.
• Support Department Operations and personnel requests; approve time for Research Assistants; manage equipment tagging.
• Coordinate research events and assist with department communications.

Skills

Higher education experience

Problem solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Customer service

Learn new systems

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

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

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director in the Department ofPsychology, the Research Operations Administrator oversees theStudy Pool and works directly with faculty to provide high-leveladministrative and operational support for researchers inlabs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Manage Research Programs

• Provide local onboarding/offboarding and high-level operationalsupport for 300+ pre- and post-doctoral researchers across 30labs
• Manage Psychology Study Pool, including SONA updates,review/approval of study postings, and IRBoversight/compliance
• Coordinate local procedure for human subject participantpayments
• Oversee restricted fund application and award trackingprocess

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 andlab 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.

Qualifications

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 organizationalskills.
• Strong computer skills, including a demonstrated ability tolearn 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 strongattention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot using creativeproblem-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 isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FASHuman Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork 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 priorto 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 startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage.

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.