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Harvard University

Senior Research Portfolio Administrator

Closes:

0

Posting date: November 06, 2026

Reference: 004216SR

  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Location: Boston
  • School/Unit: Harvard Medical School
  • Department: Microbiology
  • Salary Grade: 056
  • Job Function: Finance
  • Work Format: Hybrid
  • FLSA Status: Non-exempt
  • Term Appointment: Yes
  • Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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 Department of Microbiology at Harvard Medical School seeks a dynamic, flexible, and service-oriented Senior Research Portfolio Administrator. This cross-functional role will be responsible for a variety of administrative and financial duties. In particular, they will play a significant role in supporting and filling in for the finance team to respond nimbly to changing team workloads, priorities and needs. The ideal candidate will have experience in all aspects of pre- and post-award grants management and possess the analytical, technical, and interpersonal skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and support a diverse research portfolio.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Finance, this position is responsible for managing a portfolio of sponsored and non-sponsored research projects while serving as a trusted resource to faculty, trainees, and staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

  • The Senior Research Portfolio Administrator will independently manage all pre- and post-award activities for an assigned faculty portfolio supported by federal, industry, foundation, internal, and other funding sources.
  • Responsibilities include proposal development and submission, budget preparation, award management, financial analysis, forecasting, reconciliations, effort management, reporting, and award closeout.
  • The individual will partner closely with faculty to provide strategic financial guidance, monitor spending and compliance, identify potential risks, and recommend solutions to support effective stewardship of research funds.
  • The Senior Research Portfolio Administrator will serve as a liaison with University offices, collaborating institutions, sponsors, and vendors; coordinate reporting requirements and deliverables; maintain accurate schedules of deadlines; and help ensure compliance with sponsor, federal, and University policies throughout the award lifecycle.
  • In addition, this role will support accounts payable functions including invoice payments; purchasing and corporate card transactions; vendor set-ups and employee reimbursements.
  • They will also review and resolve invoice holds, follow up with researchers and vendors regarding payment issues, and monitor committed funds reports.
  • Other administrative duties include, but are not limited to, resolving financial and compliance issues, supporting annual budget development and financial audits, contributing to departmental initiatives and process improvements, providing training and mentorship to team members, and communicating policy and regulatory updates to faculty and staff.
  • The successful candidate will be proactive and detail oriented, use sound judgment, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills to manage complex research portfolios and support the Department's research mission.
  • As a trusted advisor to faculty and a key partner to the Associate Director of Finance, the Senior Research Portfolio Administrator will take initiative and provide comprehensive financial administration support across the full lifecycle of sponsored and non-sponsored research activities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Five or more years of experience in pre-and post-award management, including both federal and non-federal awards, or related experience required. Higher education may count toward years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • The successful candidate must be able to take initiative, possess strong communication and inter-personal skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and move easily among varied work projects.
  • Must be highly organized and detail oriented.
  • Must be able to work as part of a team, as well as to work independently, this role requires seeing tasks to completion in a timely manner and being highly responsive.
  • Expertise with MS Office Suite.

Additional Information

  • Term: This is a 2 year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
  • 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.
  • Interview Format: The interview process will include both virtual and in-person components (e.g., initial virtual screening followed by on-campus final interviews).

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 056. 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 Research Portfolio Administrator
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Boston
Published
Nov 12, 2026
Closes:
Jan 11, 2027
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Senior Research Portfolio Administrator?

This listing is for Senior Research Portfolio Administrator at Harvard University.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Boston.

💰What is the salary?

Salary is not listed on this posting.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Jan 11, 2027.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is Full time.

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

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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