Interdisciplinary Research Program Manager

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • $40,000 - $45,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Interdisciplinary Research Program Manager supports coordination and success of an interdisciplinary research initiative at Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Center for Green Buildings and Cities. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Green Buildings and Cities, the position helps integrate three research thrusts: advanced thermal materials, intelligent building-scale systems, and cooperative urban-scale energy management. The role organizes and co-leads biweekly meetings, tracks progress, promotes cross-team alignment, facilitates communication, and supports timely decision-making and course corrections.

The manager drafts internal and external reports documenting milestones, synthesizing research outcomes, and communicating progress to stakeholders. The role also works with industry partners and other external stakeholders so practical insights inform the research and deployment strategy, and coordinates preparation and submission of proposals for extramural funding. The position advances the initiative’s goal of scaling HouseZero®-inspired innovations into interconnected, energy-efficient communities and developing real-world climate solutions.

This is a benefits-eligible, half-time term appointment of one year, with the possibility of continuation depending on funding. The schedule is 17.5 hours per week. The role is fully on-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with duties performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, primarily in an office setting. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Employment authorization to work in the United States is required; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in engineering, architecture, urban planning, environmental science, energy systems, or a closely related interdisciplinary field.
• Experience leading or coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder research initiatives, particularly in sustainability, climate resilience, or urban systems.
• Ability to synthesize interdisciplinary research and produce accessible technical and non-technical reports.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and organizational skills; experience managing collaborative teams and meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and report preparation.
• Familiarity with extramural funding processes and experience coordinating successful proposals.
• Ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and with external industry partners.
• Employment authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Ability to perform typical office tasks, including extended sitting, use of standard office equipment, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate degree.
• Subject matter knowledge in advanced thermal materials, intelligent building-scale systems, or urban-scale energy management.
• Experience in interdisciplinary or systems-level research at the nexus of building design, sustainable technologies, and urban development.
• Familiarity with real-world implementation of research-based innovations in the built environment.

Responsibilities

• Organize and co-lead biweekly meetings with representatives of the three research thrusts to track progress, align teams, and support timely decisions.
• Maintain clear and consistent information flow among research teams, leadership, and partners.
• Draft internal and external reports documenting milestones, synthesizing outcomes, and communicating progress to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with industry partners and external stakeholders to incorporate practical insights into the research and deployment strategy.
• Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of proposals for extramural funding.
• Promote cohesion and interdisciplinary collaboration across the three research thrusts.
• Help scale HouseZero®-inspired innovations into interconnected, energy-efficient communities and advance real-world climate solutions.

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: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level