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Harvard University

Senior DevOps Engineer

Closes:

763

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 Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

The Harvard Medical School Department of Information Technology is seeking a talented Senior DevOps Engineer with a strong background focused on managing environments that must meet federal security standards. The Senior DevOps Engineer will be responsible for secure research computing environments (SRCE), a FISMA-certified AWS cloud infrastructure environment, enabling the groundbreaking biomedical research of some of the world’s foremost scientific investigators.

Core Duties:

  • Oversee operational activities of the SRCE – deployment, monitoring, reporting, patching, and compliance, in partnership with HMS infrastructure and research computing teams
  • Utilize best-practice cloud security designs to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the secure environment
  • Manage a continuous integration and deployment methodology for AWS-based technologies
  • Manage full application stacks from the OS through custom research applications using AWS
  • Provide high-level support on technical computing issues to end users and developers
  • Document complex technology, data protection, confidentiality, and data residency solutions
  • Play a key role in the planning, implementation and growth of the SRCE
  • Drive continuous improvement of the SRCE through process, architecture, and cost-saving refinements
  • Participate fully in software development life cycle
  • Research, design, and implement technical solutions to deliver business requirements
  • Identify opportunities to improve and simplify applications portfolio and implement related enhancements
  • Contribute to creation and maturing of software development best practices and new technologies
  • Draw on relationship and technical skills to act as technical liaison to internal and external clients and to mentor junior staff
  • Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct
  • Participate in off-hours on-call rotation

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment
  • Highly specialized knowledge of a specific technology
  • Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor
  • Critical to this position is the ability to work independently and to make decisions at the appropriate time, taking into account the needs of the situation, priorities, constraints and the availability of necessary information all in support of the core research computing mission.
  • A strong conceptual and practical understanding of cloud security controls, principles and best practices
  • Experience and understanding of legal and regulatory standards (PCI, FedRAMP, CCPA, GDPR, etc.) as they pertain to a secure computing environment
  • 2+ years of experience in healthcare systems and authorities operations, such as FISMA, FedRAMP or HIPPA-regulated environment architecture/designs
  • Experience with AWS technologies which may include IAM, EC2, EBS, ELB, RDS, RedShift, S3, Glacier, Route 53, Gateways, VPCs, CloudWatch, Lambda scripts, CloudFormation, VDI, Appstream 2.0, Control Tower, Service Catalog
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification preferred
  • Experience supporting large-scale enterprise IT cloud projects
  • Hands-on experience with distributed resource management and virtualization technologies
  • Experience communicating technical issues to executive level audiences
  • Experience with the following technologies is a plus:
    Puppet / Foreman / Terraform / Jenkins
    Containerization technologies: Docker, Singularity, Kubernetes, Amazon ECS
    Open-source databases: MySQL/Mariadb, Postgres
    Scripting languages, such as Bash and Python
    GitHub and git workflows
    AWS Service Work Bench
    Qualys, Checkmarx
    Splunk

Certificates and Licenses:

  • Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

Additional Information

  • 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, Criminal
  • 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

#LI-DK1

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 058. 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.

Job details

Title
Senior DevOps Engineer
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Boston
Published
Aug 12, 2026
Closes:
Oct 11, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Computer and Information Technology

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What are the required qualifications for this Senior DevOps Engineer role?

You need a minimum of five years of post-secondary education or relevant work experience. Highly specialized knowledge of cloud platforms, especially AWS, is essential. The role demands deep experience with FISMA, FedRAMP, or HIPAA compliant environments. You must be skilled in CI/CD methodologies, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and Linux administration. Explore more higher education technology positions.

☁️Do I need an AWS certification?

An Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification is preferred but not mandatory. The hiring team values hands-on experience with AWS services such as IAM, EC2, S3, CloudFormation, Control Tower, and AppStream 2.0. If you hold a certification, it will strengthen your profile. Browse all university staff jobs for similar opportunities.

💻What is the work environment and schedule?

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) based at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. The department operates a hybrid work arrangement—some duties can be performed remotely, but you must work in a Harvard-registered state. The role includes an on-call rotation and is deeply focused on secure research computing environments (SRCE). Check other remote and hybrid higher ed jobs.

🌍Is visa sponsorship available for international candidates?

No, Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. All applicants must already have work authorization that does not require university sponsorship. For information on other positions, visit our higher education job board.

⚙️What are the main responsibilities of this role?

You will oversee the operational activities of the Secure Research Computing Environment (SRCE), a FISMA-certified AWS cloud that supports biomedical research. Core duties include deployment, monitoring, patching, compliance, CI/CD pipeline management, and mentoring junior staff. You’ll also drive continuous improvement, cost-saving refactors, and documentation. Learn more about research computing careers.

About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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