Director for Postdoctoral Affairs

Harvard University • Boston, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office for Research Initiatives and Global Programs at Harvard Medical School oversees inter-departmental and inter-institutional research initiatives, fellowship programs, research cores, and education and training programs. Spanning about 40 different programs implemented by 50+ faculty and staff through an annual budget of about $30M, the Office for Research Initiatives and Global Programs is seeking a Director for Postdoctoral Affairs to lead the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows at Harvard Medical School (OPF). Reporting to the Dean for Research Initiatives and Global Programs, the Director for Postdoctoral Affairs is a key leader who works collaboratively with OPF staff and other institutional leaders to design, implement, strengthen, and broaden postdoctoral fellowship experiences for scientific advancement and professional and career development in the Harvard Longwood community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or Doctoral degree in biomedical field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral training preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing a postdoctoral fellows program or other trainee educational program.
• Creative thinker capable of crafting a future vision and building momentum toward achievement of this vision.
• Expert knowledge of needs assessment theory, processes, and practice; workshop and program design.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Outstanding communication skills with affinity for working closely with a broad spectrum of colleagues at Harvard Medical School and at affiliated institutions.
• Ability to prioritize, coordinate and direct multiple programs, operations, and services.
• Experience identifying institutional risks and resolving conflict.
• Familiarity with national postdoctoral and graduate training trends, networks, and resources.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills.
• Ability to work with students, colleagues, clients and external organizations.
• Communication skills (both written and verbal).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the mission of the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows to serve approximately 600 postdocs in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School
• Provide strategic leadership for postdoctoral training at HMS/HSDM, including setting and executing annual office goals, managing staff (currently one full-time employee), and overseeing the office budget.
• Solicit feedback on strategic direction from the Office’s Advisory Committee.
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve comprehensive postdoc programming, including orientation, training curriculum, outreach and recruitment, and collaborations that expand services.
• Open this programming to the HMS non-ladder faculty community and to the broader HMS-wide postdoc community, including postdocs at affiliate institutions (approximately 5,000 postdocs).
• In collaboration with the HMS Office of Faculty Affairs, develop and manage data, systems, and policies related to postdocs, including dashboards, process and policy repositories, and an alumni database for outcomes and networking.
• Support the postdoctoral community and institutional mission by assessing needs, writing grant support letters, and supervising the Harvard Medical Postdoctoral Association and HMS Black Postdoctoral Association.
• Provide career coaching and professional development assistance to the HMS/HSDM postdoc community
• Advise and mentor postdocs on career options and counsel postdocs on how to successfully complete training, make the most of the postdoc, and prepare for career transition.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive programs and services, including workshops, seminars, career events, career counseling, mentoring, and individualized development plans.
• Implement strategies to expand and improve professional development, social experience, and the personal well-being of postdoctoral trainees, including mental health assistance during crisis situations or career transitions.
• Create, lead, or participate in school-wide ad hoc committees, working groups, and project teams to develop and enhance services that support the needs of postdoctoral scholars
• Co-Chair the Academic Working Group and serve on school and university committees as assigned.
• Participate on the leadership team for the Research Rigor, Reproducibility, & Responsibility (R3) Initiative.
• Inform and collaborate with department chairs, administrators, peer offices, and industry partners within and external to Harvard Medical School on topics and projects related to postdoc training.
• Understand, interpret, and provide subject matter expertise on the application of postdoc policies and guidelines.
• Direct or Co-Direct the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Program for postdocs
• Partner with the Center for Bioethics to deliver the RCR Program.
• Teach RCR sessions using cutting edge pedagogical techniques.
• Supervise RCR administrative team including class scheduling and facilitator recruitment.
• Oversee course communications and management, materials and content, and compliance.
• Work with the Office of Graduate Education and the Curriculum Fellows Program to align and strengthen the postdoc RCR course and the graduate student Responsible Conduct of Science (RCoS) course.
• Other tasks as assigned

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director