Career Center

Position Description

In the Molecular and Cellular Biology Department we research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens. The Department is looking for a Senior Research Portfolio Manager who will be responsible for mentoring other team members, handling the most challenging and complex portfolios, and providing comprehensive pre- and post-award support to faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students.

Pre-award Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to faculty and lab administrators with proposal preparation, including budget development, assembly of supporting documentation, and required institutional information
• Advise and assist Principal Investigator (PI) with granting agency policies and programmatic reporting requirements of the various funding organizations, including progress reports
• Shepherd supported proposals through the school and university proposal review and submission process
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and University, school, and sponsor policies
• Notify faculty of granting opportunities, providing information and application forms as necessary
• Analyze and report sponsored funding trends

Post-award Responsibilities

• Manage faculty designated funding (sponsored and non-sponsored funds). This includes complex financial management and analysis; compliance with University policy and sponsor?s terms and conditions, and reporting
• Conduct monthly detailed financial analysis of portfolios and provide individual consulting to faculty clients
• Strategize with faculty on resource and personnel allocations
• Monitor balances, reconcile, perform spending projections, and address ad hoc queries
• Proactively establish relationships with PIs, Lab Administrators, and lab members while maintaining effective communication and protecting confidential information
• Work closely with the PI and Office for Sponsored Programs to review new awards, set up budgets, and provide guidance on policy
• Review and approve financial transactions such as reimbursements for travel and corporate card payments, PCards, and B2P up to $49,999.99
• Facilitate the effort certification process and advise the PI on related policies
• Provide guidance to lab administrators on finance and sponsored research matters including systems, policies, and procedures

Additional Responsibilities

• Mentor and coach other members of the Research Administration team
• Handle the most complex and challenging portfolios by reviewing proposals for submission and creating post-award snapshots
• Provide policy and procedure guidance to the Research Administration team in the absence of the Assistant Director for Research Administration
• Provide proposal review assistance in GMAS in the absence of the Assistant Director for Research Administration or as assigned (ad hoc)
• Participate and or be a member of research administration committees both at the department and school level, providing representation and expertise towards process change

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

• Knowledge and demonstrated use of MS Office suite
• Knowledge of financial principles, budget management, and financial analysis
• Demonstrated experience with sponsored research awards including DoD (AFOSR, ONR, ARO, DARPA) NSF, NASA, DoE, NOAA, National Laboratories, International Collaborations
• Experience with Harvard financial and grants administration systems and applications highly preferred
• Meet and plan deadline driven work timelines
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Self-directed, possess a high degree of judgment, work independently with minimum supervision and handle confidential information with discretion
• Desire and willingness to assume increasing and changing responsibilities

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter along with your application.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offer letters will be made by FAS HR.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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