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Harvard University

Senior Research Project Manager

Closes:

1,070

Posting date: September 15, 2026

External Reference: 003907SR

Job Details

  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Location: Boston
  • School/Unit: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
  • Department: Environmental Health
  • Salary Grade: 057
  • Job Function: Research
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Term Appointment: Yes
  • Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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 T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School's mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean's AAA vision about our school's ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking a full-time Senior Research Project Manager to work closely with the study Principal Investigators and leadership team and to oversee the day-to-day management of the Apple Women's Health Study (AWHS). The AWHS is sponsored by Apple Inc, and seeks to study women's health across the lifespan.

In addition to managing AWHS operations, the Senior Research Project Manager will support overlapping research, administrative, and operational activities within the Mahalingaiah Lab. The position will coordinate across study staff, laboratory personnel, institutional partners, and external collaborators to advance research priorities and ensure timely completion of project deliverables. The scope of work, priorities, tasks, and performance goals may evolve in response to sponsor input, study needs, scientific developments, and changing project requirements.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Manage the daily operations of the AWHS and coordinate overlapping research, administrative, and operational activities within the Mahalingaiah Lab
  • Work closely with the Principal Investigators and team members to establish priorities, monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure timely completion of study and laboratory deliverables
  • Develop, maintain, and monitor project timelines, milestones, workplans, and reporting requirements; manage competing priorities across AWHS and Mahalingaiah Lab activities. Maintain effective systems for organizing project information, tracking deadlines, documenting decisions, and communicating status across teams
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration including calendaring and agenda/post meeting correspondence among research personnel within and across institutions, including the study sponsor and other external partners
  • Respond to sponsor feedback and input by helping to revise project priorities, tasks, goals, timelines, procedures, and deliverables as needed
  • Assist with developing, maintaining, and implementing standard operating procedures; coordinate preparation and submission of IRB protocols, amendments, reports, ClinicalTrials.gov updates, and sponsor-related documentation
  • Serve as a primary liaison with Advarra and other relevant institutional or external review partners to facilitate timely review and approval of IRB submissions
  • Coordinate periodic review and updating of the Data Management Plan, Manual of Procedures, and other study or laboratory documentation
  • Liaise with the participant call center regarding and as is relevant to the new call center, including handling adverse event reporting and communicating updates to the Principal Investigators and sponsor
  • Coordinate survey development, revision, testing, and implementation in support of iterative study activities
  • Prepare materials for relevant meetings including weekly team meeting, data team meeting, and as needed breakout team meetings; coordinate timelines for relevant external scientific meetings and conferences; and assist with preparing and delivering project updates, presentations, and reports
  • Support recruitment and retention planning and help oversee the communications and editorial calendar in coordination with the Principal Investigators and communications staff when relevant
  • Coordinate with the department's administrative core on hiring, onboarding, offboarding, inventory, personnel actions, payments. Oversee purchasing and expensing in collaboration with the lab research administrative assistant
  • Supervise, delegate work to, and review the work of assigned staff; monitor workflow and support staff development and performance
  • May present research findings, project updates, or operational information to internal and external audiences as is relevant
  • Performs other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of 1 year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience is required.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience is required.
  • Supervisory experience required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Master's Degree or MPH is strongly preferred
  • Experience or training in epidemiology, public health, and/or industry/technology is preferred
  • Experience or training in reproductive health is preferred
  • Experience in study management preferred
  • Previous experience with IRBs, protocol development, training research staff preferred
  • Knowledge of standard epidemiologic research methods and data science exposure preferred
  • Experience with applicable computer technologies such as Keynote, Adobe, MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint preferred
  • Strong organizational and communication skills preferred
  • Works well independently and as a team preferred
  • Attention to detail, organized, strong communication (written and verbal)

Additional Information

  • Appointment End Date: One year from the date of hire
  • 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, Education, Criminal, Credit

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

  • The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
  • Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
  • This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. 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.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Job details

Title
Senior Research Project Manager
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Boston, MA
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Closes:
Nov 16, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Laboratory and Research

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications do I need for the Senior Research Project Manager position?

The role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, at least 5+ years of relevant experience, and prior supervisory experience. A Master's degree or MPH is strongly preferred, especially in epidemiology, public health, or reproductive health. Experience with study management, IRB submissions, and protocol development will strengthen your application. Learn more about this career path in our research manager career guide.

🌍Does Harvard sponsor visas for this Senior Research Project Manager role?

No. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future. All individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. This is common for staff roles at Ivy League institutions; see our Ivy League schools page for more context.

📋What are the day-to-day duties of this role?

You will manage the daily operations of the Apple Women's Health Study (AWHS) and the Mahalingaiah Lab, maintain project timelines and milestones, coordinate IRB protocols, ClinicalTrials.gov updates, and sponsor documentation, and serve as a primary liaison with Advarra and the participant call center. You will also supervise staff and support survey development, reporting, and communications. Compare related positions on our research jobs and administration jobs pages.

🔬What is the Apple Women's Health Study?

The Apple Women's Health Study (AWHS) is sponsored by Apple Inc. and investigates women's health across the lifespan. It involves epidemiologic research methods, data science, and reproductive health priorities within the Department of Environmental Health. Explore our clinical research jobs for similar research opportunities.

⏳Is this a permanent or term appointment?

This is a full-time, term appointment of 1 year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension. The standard schedule is 35 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend work. The role is FLSA Exempt and is assigned salary grade 057 at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

📝How can I prepare a strong application?

Tailor your application to highlight study management, IRB experience, supervisory experience, and a background in epidemiology or public health. Use our free resume template and free cover letter template to tailor your materials for this Boston, MA opportunity.

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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