Procurement Assistant

Grade: 053 Department: Administration FLSA Status: Non-exempt Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Why join the Wyss Institute at Harvard University? The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information discover our technologies , catch up on our recent news , or watch our latest videos .

About you: You are a collaborative problem-solver with advanced Excel skills and outstanding customer service abilities. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and using your expertise to support the research and innovation that can change the world About this role: We're looking for a talented and enthusiastic Procurement Assistant. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will perform diverse accounting, customer service, and office support duties within the Wyss Institute. This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location, requiring 3-4 days per week on site, with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

Interface with customers, vendors, and Central Administration finance offices as needed to provide quality assurance on purchasing transactions. Maintain proper documentation to verify that all requisitions comply with University policies and procedures Ensure proper account code selection and usage and assess order information for completeness and accuracy Generate and place purchase orders, create electronic receipts and maintain required proof of delivery documentation for orders as necessary Work with suppliers to confirm receipt and status update of orders, investigate price/quantity discrepancies, coordinate the replacement, credit, and return of unsatisfactory deliveries; ensure completion of the procure-to-pay cycle; and escalate issues when needed. Leverage advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data modeling) and database querying (SQL or equivalent) to analyze procurement data, generate reports, track spending trends, and support data-driven decision making; ability to work independently with large datasets is essential. Serve as a trained backup for the reimbursements team, cross-trained in the reimbursement process, policies, and procedures; this role is expected to step in seamlessly during periods of high volume or staff absence to ensure continuity of operations Qualifications Basic Qualifications: Two or more years of office experience required. Education may count towards years of experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis functions) are required. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Bachelor’s degree preferred. Hands-on experience querying databases using SQL or equivalent tools are highly preferred. Familiarity with financial and purchasing systems (e.g., Oracle, Jaggaer) is a strong plus.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity Why you’ll like working with us: At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a