Research Solutions Specialist TERM

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks a high-level research administration expert to support research portfolio management and concierge navigation for the FAS research enterprise. You will work with PIs, RPMs, and central offices to align budgets, compliance, and strategic oversight.

In this hybrid role, you will mentor staff, develop process guides, and resolve complex policy questions, balancing regulatory requirements with operational needs across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.
• Experience with post-award management.
• Ability to interpret complex policies and provide strategic advice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage research portfolios with an emphasis on post-award management.
• Collaborate with PIs to provide strategic financial oversight and ensure sponsor compliance.
• Coordinate audits and ensure documentation meets federal and institutional standards.
• Mentor onboarding and coaching of new research administration personnel.
• Act as a troubleshooter for complex multi-departmental issues.
• Provide decision trees, FAQs and guides to simplify institutional processes.
• Identify workflow bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Post-award management

Policy interpretation

Communication

Analytical problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Job Description

This role is a high-level, versatile expert. Provides critical surge capacity and strategic problem-solving across the FAS research enterprise with two primary functions: 1) Research Portfolio Management. Covers RPM/Sr RPM role during vacancies; 2) Concierge Navigation. Minimizes administrative friction for PIs and RPMs by interpreting complex policies and providing clear resolution paths. Bridges gap between PI, unit, and central offices, integrating problem solving.

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

Knowledge: Apply professional knowledge and understanding of concepts. Principles and technical capabilities to execute complex analyses and projects.

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

Autonomy: Complete work independently, exercising sound judgement within established guidelines. Seek general guidance only when needed.

Interaction: Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to address sensitive matters and work to build consensus. May provide guidance to colleagues and deliver trainings.

Responsibilities Include

FAS Research Portfolio Management

• Manage research portfolios with an emphasis on post-award management
• Collaborate directly with PIs to provide strategic financial oversight and ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines
• Partner with local units and RPMs to facilitate audit responses and ensure all documentation meets federal and institutional standards
• Mentor and lead the onboarding and one-on-one coaching of new research administration personnel within FAS to standardize best practices

Concierge and navigation services

• Act as a dedicated troubleshooter for PIs and RPMs on complex and/or multi-departmental research administration issues
• Manage the escalation of sensitive or urgent matters by providing decision-makers with a well-researched briefing of the issue and proposed solutions
• Provide expert advice on unconventional research scenarios where standard policy application is unclear, balancing operational needs with compliance

Knowledge design and process improvement

• Develop decision trees, FAQs and guides to simplify and communicate complex institutional processes
• Identify systemic workflow bottlenecks and recommend process improvement to reduce the administrative burden on the researchers

Working Conditions

• This position is designated as a hybrid. Work needs will determine on-campus presence, with an expectation of 1–3 days on campus per week, with flexibility in scheduling onsite days in consultation with the manager and team. On-site attendance requirements may vary based on assigned departments and evolving business needs.

Physical Requirements

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

Qualifications:
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 budget preparation, advanced post-award skills including financial analysis and reconciliation
• Familiarity with federal sponsor regulations and ability to learn complex policy
• Strong written/verbal communication skills, advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities; ability to distill complex regulations into strategic advice
• Ability to interact with stakeholders of all types (faculty, researchers, university administrators and to convene and motivate problem-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 term position
• 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, 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 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 057. 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.