Job Description

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. The Center brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to advance policy-relevant knowledge on critical issues at the intersection of science, technology, and international affairs. This position will be affiliated with the Belfer Center and collaborate with our vibrant intellectual community, including faculty-led research teams and center staff focused on related areas of international policy.

The Senior Research Manager (SRM) will report to Professor Gita Gopinath, the Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics at Harvard University and Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Professor Gopinath undertakes extensive research on the evolving global economic order and engages strategically with senior policymakers and private sector leaders to help architect a new and improved global economic order. She is also working on creating a Lab to enhance this work.

The SRM will be responsible for research management, day-to-day strategic development, and operational work associated with this agenda, including on developing the Lab.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Program Strategy & Development

Partner with Professor Gopinath to develop and refine the strategic research agenda and building the Lab.
Contribute to the conceptualization and design of the Lab as a hub for research and analysis on the international economic order, including its structure, governance, and operational model
Work with Professor Gopinath to define the Lab's research streams and establish timelines and milestones for key deliverables

Research Management & Oversight

Manage and supervise a small team of undergraduate research assistants and pre-docs, providing guidance on research tasks and methodologies
Review research in progress, provide feedback on analysis and writing, and ensure that research deliverables meet publication and policy standards
Direct the production and dissemination of key research outputs, including data dashboards on the international economic and financial order, analyses of the evolving global trade system, and other policy-relevant research products
Work with Professor Gopinath to establish deadlines, coordinate workflows, and ensure timely delivery of research outputs
Work with Professor Gopinath to develop a new gateway course at Harvard called "Understanding the Global Economy."

Policy Support

Support Professor Gopinath's policy advisory work by drafting policy memos, briefs, and analytical materials
Assist in preparing materials and analysis to inform the faculty director's engagement with government officials, international organizations, and other policy stakeholders
Ensure that research produced by the Lab is translated into actionable policy insights and recommendations

External Engagement & Representation

Build and maintain relationships with academic colleagues, policy practitioners, and institutional partners who engage with Professor Gopinath, including to help launch the Lab.
Communicate the research findings and policy impact to external audiences through briefings, meetings, and other formats.

Operations & Administration

Manage the budget and financial matters for Lab, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and compliance with Harvard guidelines
Work closely with Professor Gopinath's faculty assistant to align operations and ensure smooth coordination of her activities with the broader faculty portfolio
Track project milestones, manage timelines, and prepare updates on staff activities and progress
Other duties as assigned