21-Aug-2023

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

63399BR

Job Summary

The Rowland Institute at Harvard (RIH) seeks a positive, interactive, critical, dynamic, and experienced scientist as the new Director of Research Affairs to become part of the Institute’s leadership team and offer feedback and guidance to its Fellows. The Rowland Institute is a multi-disciplinary research center that provides facilities, space, and extensive financial and technical support to the Rowland Fellowship Program, allowing young scholars to perform groundbreaking research in their chosen field. The Rowland Fellows are freshly-minted PhDs who are embarking on their first position as independent principal investigators and laboratory leaders. Rowland Fellows run laboratories that they may staff with postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and undergraduate researchers. The Rowland Institute is committed to fostering excellent scientific citizens, leaders, mentors, and researchers. We believe that to do so, our Fellows (and their researchers) require an in-house resource, mentor, role model, and guide who the Fellows (and their researchers) can ask to advise them on their written publications, oral presentations, securing external funding, and career trajectories. This position will also be able to advise Fellows on their scientific research goals. Importantly, this position will represent the Rowland Institute to the scientific world, and coordinate outreach to attract applicants to the Fellows Program, and spearhead the review process. The Director of Research Affairs (DRA) will report directly to the Rowland’s Faculty Director. The Faculty Director, Executive Director, Associate Director for Science, and DRA form the Institute’s leadership group.

Position Description

Advise and support Fellows (and, secondarily, their researchers) in their written publications, oral presentations, grant writing, and job applications. 

Offer critical scientific review and tactical advice for written publications, oral presentations, grant submissions, and job applications. Identify potential funding opportunities for the Fellows . Advise Fellows on their job searches and, if appropriate, help to identify faculty job opportunities .

Advise and encourage Rowland Fellows (and other Institute researchers) on their scientific goals.

Available as experienced in-house expert and guide for the Fellows and their researchers in their research goals. Support Fellows in their research ideas. Engage with the Fellows and their researchers on their scientific pursuits and questions. Available for intellectual scientific conversations regarding Fellows’ research and current research in their fields. Be available to listen to ideas and offer knowledge, connections, and suggestions when asked.

Communications. 

Strategize and lead outreach advocacy efforts to promote the accomplishments of the Rowland Fellows and the Institute in publications at Harvard and elsewhere. Actively participate in the planning and delivery of scientific events such as symposia and seminar series at the RIH. When requested, represent the Rowland in scientific and educational issues inside and outside of the University. Attend 1-2 scientific meetings per year – to keep abreast of current research. Write Institute progress report, update website content in collaboration with RIH administrators. Provide technical scientific website content and other documentation as necessary.   In close collaboration with leadership, the Director of Research Affairs will provide outreach to the Institute’s Advisory Board and faculty within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the University when necessary.

Lead recruit process, organize and spearhead application reviews, interviews, and contribute to choice of new Rowland Fellows. 

Collaborate with administrative staff to organize the Fellows application process.  Participate in reviewing and interviewing  the applicants to the Rowland Fellows Program. Work with administrative staff to coordinate the interview process. Serve on the committee that selects the new Rowland Fellows. Revise and create pathways to attract undergraduate students and postdoctoral fellows to the Institute. Work to increase diversity in all research positions of the Institute - Rowland Fellows, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduates. Help to streamline the summer internship process. Engage with the Harvard Office for Equity, Inclusion & Belonging to create an environment of equity, inclusion, belonging, diversity, and mentorship that attracts and supports all people at the Institute.

Programmatic responsibilities and initiatives. 

Organize and act as a key participant in Rowland scientific advisory board meetings.  As part of the leadership group, work to  develop exciting, new programming to extend the reach and interests of the Institute.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in the sciences required
• A minimum of 10 years scientific experience that also includes publishing and grant-writing.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D in physical sciences, engineering, or chemistry is preferred.
• Recent experience working in a scientific publishing organization, or at a scientific funding agency is a plus.
• Successful, extensive writing and editorial experience in a scientific publishing, research, academic, or intellectually-based organization.
• Demonstrated success in an academic and research environment.
• Demonstrated positive scientific mentoring of researchers.
• Effective and proactive communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Integrity and high standards of scientific excellence.
• Must enjoy being integrated in an outstanding scientific community and assisting in fostering a culture that is scientifically supportive and diverse.
• The successful candidate will stay up-to-date with and have an in-depth understanding of current scientific literature.
• Outstanding writing and editorial skills; and the ability to communicate with both scientific and lay audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration, inclusivity, and belonging.

Working Conditions

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.

Additional Information

FAS is committed to cultivating not only the diversity of ourfaculty, staff, and students but also in developing an inclusive culture that is vibrant, engaging and encouraging of innovation as well as intellectual debate. We believe creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace allows employees from all backgrounds and walks of life to achieve their fullest potential. We also believe an inclusive culture is one that accepts, values and views as strength the difference we all bring to the workplace.

Please note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS HR.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

RS0160 Natural Sciences Director

Department

The Rowland Institute at Harvard

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.