Strategic Research Operations Leader

Smithsonian; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Transit/Commuter Benefits

403b Retirement Plan

Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) seeks a Senior Research Operations Manager to provide strategic leadership for complex research operations and sponsored programs. You will oversee budget planning, administrative infrastructure, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration to advance SAO’s scientific mission.

You will guide proposal development, budget justifications, and compliance with sponsor requirements while leading PI support teams and ensuring timely execution of activities across

Qualifications

• Two years of specialized experience in research administration, financial management, and personnel management.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and supervisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for complex research operations.
• Lead long-range planning for staffing, funding, space, and infrastructure.
• Develop procedures and performance measures to support evolving scientific priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on operational capabilities and resource investments.
• Oversee sponsored project activities, proposals, and budgets; ensure deadlines are met.
• Supervise managers handling research administration functions and compliance.
• Maintain control of unit budgets and financial projections.

Skills

Research administration

Budget and financial management

Leadership and staff supervision

Strategic planning

Policy development

Communications with stakeholders

Tools

MS Office

Excel

PeopleSoft

Tableau

Google apps

Job description

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) seeks a Senior Research Operations Manager to provide strategic leadership for complex research operations and sponsored programs. You will oversee budget planning, administrative infrastructure, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration to advance SAO’s scientific mission.

You will guide proposal development, budget justifications, and compliance with sponsor requirements while leading PI support teams and ensuring timely execution of activities across