Research Solutions Specialist - TERM

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University – Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks a high-level professional to provide surge capacity and strategic problem-solving across the FAS research enterprise. Responsibilities include Research Portfolio Management and Concierge Navigation to minimize administrative friction for PIs and RPMs.

The role requires a fully experienced professional capable of independent complex tasks, policy interpretation, and cross-unit collaboration in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage research portfolios with emphasis on post-award management.
• Provide strategic financial oversight and ensure sponsor guideline compliance.
• Collaborate with units and RPMs to support audits and documentation.

Skills

Research Portfolio Management

Concierge Navigation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Budget management

Problem solving

Microsoft Office Suite / Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

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

This role is a high-level, versatile expert. Provides criticalsurge capacity and strategic problem-solving across the FASresearch enterprise with two primary functions: 1) ResearchPortfolio Management. Covers RPM/Sr RPM role during vacancies; 2)Concierge Navigation. Minimizes administrative friction for PIs andRPMs by interpreting complex policies and providing clearresolution paths. Bridges gap between PI, unit, and centraloffices, integrating problem solving.

Profile: Fully experienced professional. Independentlyperform complex tasks. May serve as a resource to colleagues.

Knowledge: Apply professional knowledge and understanding ofconcepts. Principles and technical capabilities to execute complexanalyses and projects.

Complexity: Independently work on complex projects of mediumto large scope. May refer to precedents and defined parameters.Provide technical advice and problem resolution for a school/unitcommunity on varied issues.

Autonomy: Complete work independently, exercising soundjudgement within established guidelines. Seek general guidance onlywhen needed.

Interaction: Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders toaddress sensitive matters and work to build consensus. May provideguidance to colleagues and deliver trainings.

Responsibilities Include:

• FAS Research Portfolio Management
  • Manage research portfolios with an emphasis on post-awardmanagement
  • Collaborate directly with PIs to provide strategic financialoversight and ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines
  • Partner with local units and RPMs to facilitate audit responsesand ensure all documentation meets federal and institutionalstandards
  • Mentor and lead the onboarding and one-on-one coaching of newresearch administration personnel within FAS to standardize bestpractices
• Concierge and navigation services
  • Act as a dedicated troubleshooter for PIs and RPMs on complexand/or multi-departmental research administration issues
  • Manage the escalation of sensitive or urgent matters byproviding decision-makers with a well-researched briefing of theissue and proposed solutions
  • Provide expert advice on unconventional research scenarioswhere standard policy application is unclear, balancing operationalneeds with compliance
• Knowledge design and process improvement
  • Develop decision trees, FAQs and guides to simplify andcommunicate complex institutional processes
  • Identify systemic workflow bottlenecks and recommend processimprovement to reduce the administrative burden on theresearchers

Working Conditions:

• This position is designated as a hybrid. Work needs willdetermine on-campus presence, with an expectation of 1–3 days oncampus per week, with flexibility in scheduling onsite days inconsultation with the manager and team. On-site attendancerequirements may vary based on assigned departments and evolvingbusiness needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work forextended periods of time.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Expert lifecycle award management skills, proposal and budgetpreparation, advanced post-award skills including financialanalysis and reconciliation
• Familiarity with federal sponsor regulations and ability tolearn complex policy
• Strong written/verbal communication skills, advanced analyticaland problem-solving abilities; ability to distill complexregulations into strategic advice
• Ability to interact with stakeholders of all types (faculty,researchers, university administrators and to convene and motivateproblem-solving teams
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Working knowledge of financial principles, budget management,financial analysis

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a two year termposition
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• 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 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 orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed tosupport a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental andfinancial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Ourbenefits 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 talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policyand non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.