Senior Research Portfolio Administrator

The Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School seeks a talented and enthusiastic individual to join our growing community as a Senior Research Portfolio Administrator.  As a manager of sponsored and research projects, this individual will administer pre- and post-award aspects of a complex portfolio for interdisciplinary faculty whose funding sources range from NSF, DoD, DOE, NIH, ONR, DARPA and other federal and private sources. They will work directly with senior and junior faculty members and their labs to create and submit proposals, create budgets, authorize and approve expenditures, review monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports, forecast financial scenarios, and make sound recommendations for spending plans.

The Senior Grants Manager may also be expected to participate in sponsor update and kickoff meetings, to present financial data to sponsors and to function as a member of a given project team when required. The Senior Research Portfolio Administrator will work independently in a large research department environment, but will also support the Genetics Business Office team and be expected to participate in special projects to support the Department. S/he will provide an outstanding level of customer service to a broad customer base on a wide range of very complex pre- and post-award, sponsored and compliance issues.  They will provide a management-level liaison with other university offices, the financial offices of relevant HU departments as well as other universities connected to the lab’s research programs, and with industrial biotech interests. She/he will work closely with collaborators on funding opportunities and joint ventures.

The pre-award responsibilities for the Senior Research Portfolio Administrator position include identifying and disseminating funding opportunities, proposal and budget creation and development, application submission, and liaising with the HMS Sponsored Research Administration, the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Office of Technology Development on industry-sponsored research agreements, as well as collaborators at other academic and start-up institutions.

Post award responsibilities include overseeing and managing funds and communicating with the lab. They will work closely with the lab and department on the monthly expenditure reconciliation, interpreting and applying financial and compliance related policies, ongoing monitoring of special terms and conditions, and preparing financial updates for Principal Investigator, sponsors, the department and Harvard central offices.

In addition, the other duties include preparation of agreements and drafting of other research-related documents (billing agreements, etc.). The candidate will also update personnel funding and will work with the PI to determine the funding. The candidate will work with the PI on all effort certifications. This position will use a high degree of judgment and problem-solving skills to communicate and apply Department, University and sponsor guidelines throughout the sponsored project life cycle. The individual will be working closely with Genetics and HHMI staff, post-docs, and students, as well as other HMS departments and University administration offices -- requiring excellent written and verbal communication skills. He/she will contribute to the development of lab-specific procedures and policies, both financial and operational. S/he will also work with lab personnel and the department Research Operations Manager to ensure research equipment and space is managed appropriately.

Basic Qualifications:

• Five or more years of experience in sponsored research administration or related experience required. Higher education may count toward years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree preferably in finance or accounting.
• Exceptional customer service skills required.
• Must be able to effectively communicate (verbal and written).
• Computer proficiency in Excel and Word with a strong desire and aptitude to learn complex data query tools.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy essential.
• Ability to handle confidential information/materials with discretion.
• Experience with ORACLE financial systems as well as knowledge of Harvard's financial applications preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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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 056. 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.