Research Solutions Specialist - TERM

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Wellbeing resources

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks a high‑level Research Portfolio Management and Concierge Navigation expert. You will partner with PIs and RPMs to oversee post‑award activities, ensure sponsor compliance, and streamline complex policies.

This hybrid role emphasizes strategic problem solving, stakeholder collaboration, and process improvement across the FAS research enterprise. Minimum 5 years of relevant experience and a strong foundation in sponsored programs are

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage research portfolios with an emphasis on post‑award management.
• Provide strategic financial oversight and ensure sponsor guidelines compliance.
• Develop decision trees, FAQs and guides to simplify complex institutional processes.

Skills

Post‑award management

Budget oversight

Sponsor regulations

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job 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.

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.

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

• 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.