FAS Research Administration Specialist

02-Oct-2024

FAS Research Administration Specialist

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

67051BR

Position Description

The FAS Research Administration Specialist provides comprehensive pre- and post-award sponsored research support to FAS departments, centers, and units during vacancies, leaves, or when additional support is needed.  This is a full-time role that offers broad visibility through the opportunity to provide support to specific departments in the FAS through varied assignments.  Assignments are expected to last no more than six months each and may overlap depending on departmental needs.  While short-term assignments will be based in departments and will require collaboration with departmental research administration, this role will also collaborate closely with and provide coverage for the other members of the FAS Office of Research Administration (FORA).

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Provide comprehensive pre-and/or post-award sponsored administration support in collaboration and/or on behalf of departments/divisions. 

• Partner directly with Principal Investigators to manage the lifecycle of their research portfolios from proposal submission through award closeout. 

• In addition to departmental assignments, work with departments, faculty, and Research Development to facilitate the preparation and submission of large-scale, center-based, or collaborative-intensive proposals. 

• Provide routine post-award reconciliations and monitoring to departments/centers/units with low sponsored research volume and limited research administration personnel. 

• Work with local units to facilitate and provide additional support for audits. 

• Provide onboarding, mentoring, and one-on-one coaching to new research administration personnel in FAS. 

• Act as a subject matter resource for the FAS research community. 

• Other duties as assigned.

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

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees who are willing to learn.

• Demonstrated experience with federal, non-federal, and industry-sponsored awards. 
• Proven ability to independently manage both pre-and post-award duties. 
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Sound judgment, with the ability to prioritize and balance multiple concurrent tasks/assignments. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with partners across the University’s departments, centers, and units. 
• Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; advanced Excel skills highly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

This job is part of the FAS Employee Referral Program.  Guidelines, including information on the $2500 referral bonus, are here.

We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

Hybrid office environment; this position will be based in Cambridge, MA and there is an expectation of some workdays per week on campus.  Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Office of Research Administration (FORA) is beginning an exciting period of transformation and growth.  As we transition to this new brand, we remain committed to providing the same exceptional support and services to our research community.  Formerly FAS Research Administration Services, this change reflects our dedication to enhancing our organizational structure and improving the resources we offer.   We hope you will join us as we continue to foster excellence and support impactful research as FORA. 

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.

Job Function

Finance

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

F1357P Research Admin III PrPs

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Administration and Finance

Salary Grade

057

Department

FAS Office of Research Administration (formerly FAS Research Administration Services)

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

M-F:  9:00am-5:00pm

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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