Senior Sponsored Research Administrator
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

52376BR

Job Summary

The mission of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to advance the public's health through learning, discovery and communication.  To pursue the mission, the school produces knowledge through research then translates this knowledge into evidence that can be communicated to the public, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the health of populations. 

The Office of Research Administration supports the school's mission by serving as a central resource for the research community through the provision of expertise and leadership in obtaining and managing research funds.  It acts as the institutional representative of the President and Fellows of Harvard College for the administration of sponsored projects for the school. The Office of Research Administration is comprised of research administrators that work in partnership with faculty to review and submit proposals for funding and to ensure that proposals and then awards conform and are managed according to sponsor guidelines and University policies.  

Job-Specific Responsibilities 

The Senior Sponsored Research Administrator will support innovative research at the world's leading public health research institution.  Areas of research are focused across nine academic departments which include Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Global Health & Population, Health Policy & Management, Immunology & Infectious Disease, Molecular Metabolism, Nutrition and Social Behavioural Sciences. 

The Senior Sponsored Research Administrator (SSRA) is an integral role within the Office of Research Administration and supports the assigned departments and faculty/researchers (P.I.s) with the administration of pre-award and awards management tasks with a focus on compliance and customer support.  The SSRA’s duties include, but are not limited to:

• Review of proposals and awards for compliance
• Interpretation of sponsor guidelines and policie
• Mentoring and training junior staff and new hires as well as team and departments as needed
• Authorization of new accounts and changes to existing accounts
• Serves as a resource for SRAs, the departments and the Research Administration Support Team (RAST).  Identifies and provides ad hoc program solving
• Provides outstanding customer support that is consistent with established standards and best practices and prioritizes work based on an understanding of needs and expectations
• Interacts with: Academic Dept. Staff (GM, ADF, research coordinators and, as necessary, faculty/PIs), Central Offices (SPA staff, OSP, OHRA, IACUC, etc.) and External Customers (Harvard affiliates, other Harvard Schools and sponsors
• Communicates with Harvard Chan and Harvard University staff, sponsors and collaborators
• Participates in proposal development; advises department on terms and requirements of funding opportunities
• Approves and submits eSNAP progress reports and simple foundation progress reports
• Approves and submits initial no-cost extension requests in eRA commons
• Reviews award notices, utilizing Assistant/Associate Director assistance (as needed), for proper account set up in GMAS
• Understands, interprets and explains award terms and conditions to departments
• Performs basic negotiation and acceptance of incoming and outgoing sponsored agreements on behalf of Harvard with AD’s oversight
• Assists department with sponsor requests; secures necessary documents from department or other administrative offices for grant processes
• Understands, interprets and applies relevant sponsor and University policy to assure best grants management practices
• Participates in audit process
• Assists the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) with sponsor funding deposits; performs account updates independently in GMAS, as necessary
• Other duties as assigned 

PLEASE NOTE: Until our return to campus and full operational status, which is still to-be-determined, this interview process and position will take place in a modified manner – including virtual interviews, remote onboarding, and remote work.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience, with 3+ years of those years in pre-award management experience (both federal and non-federal), required; a combination of education and experience may be considered  

Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, and/or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred
• Pre and post-award experience preferred
• Experience with Harvard policies and systems (GMAS and Wasabi) preferred
• Experience in an academic, hospital, research or related environment preferred
• Experience working with research faculty on grants and contracts preferred
• Experience managing complex awards and working with a variety of sponsors preferred   
• Experience with Excel preferred
• Advanced working knowledge of research compliance issues & of key federal grant regulations preferred
• Excellent organizational and time management skills preferred
• Excellent written and verbal skills preferred
• Outstanding attention to detail preferred
• Understanding of human subject use, animal use and other research compliance areas preferred
• Problem solving skills and ability to be flexible preferred   

Additional Information

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review (O&R) period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.

The Harvard T.H. Chan of Public Health is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more about the Chan School’s mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website here.
 
Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!