Research Solutions Specialist - TERM

Research Solutions Specialist - TERM Full-time Work Format: Hybrid Harvard Job Function: Finance Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Salary Grade: 057 Department: Administration and Finance - FAS Office of Research Administration FLSA Status: 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 Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences? The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience. Job Description This role is a high-level, versatile expert. Provides critical surge capacity and strategic problem-solving across the FAS research enterprise with two primary functions: 1) Research Portfolio Management. Covers RPM/Sr RPM role during vacancies; 2) Concierge Navigation. Minimizes administrative friction for PIs and RPMs by interpreting complex policies and providing clear resolution paths. Bridges gap between PI, unit, and central offices, integrating problem solving. Profile: Fully experienced professional. Independently perform complex tasks. May serve as a resource to colleagues. Knowledge: Apply professional knowledge and understanding of concepts. Principles and technical capabilities to execute complex analyses and projects. Complexity: Independently work on complex projects of medium to large scope. May refer to precedents and defined parameters. Provide technical advice and problem resolution for a school/unit community on varied issues. Autonomy: Complete work independently, exercising sound judgement within established guidelines. Seek general guidance only when needed. Interaction: Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to address sensitive matters and work to build consensus. May provide guidance to colleagues and deliver trainings. Responsibilities Include: FAS Research Portfolio Management Manage research portfolios with an emphasis on post-award management Collaborate directly with PIs to provide strategic financial oversight and ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines Partner with local units and RPMs to facilitate audit responses and ensure all documentation meets federal and institutional standards Mentor and lead the onboarding and one-on-one coaching of new research administration personnel within FAS to standardize best practices Concierge and navigation services Act as a dedicated troubleshooter for PIs and RPMs on complex and/or multi-departmental research administration issues Manage the escalation of sensitive or urgent matters by providing decision-makers with a well-researched briefing of the issue and proposed solutions Provide expert advice on unconventional research scenarios where standard policy application is unclear, balancing operational needs with compliance Knowledge design and process improvement Develop decision trees, FAQs and guides to simplify and communicate complex institutional processes Identify systemic workflow bottlenecks and recommend process improvement to reduce the administrative burden on the researchers Working Conditions: This position