Research Operations Administrator

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director in the Department of Psychology, the Research Operations Administrator oversees the Study Pool and works directly with faculty to provide high-level administrative and operational support for researchers in labs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in higher education
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, including a demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Customer service orientation with excellent organizational, logistical, and time management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot using creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and sound judgment.
• CITI Certification required within first 90 days.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Background in Psychology helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage Research Programs: Provide local onboarding/offboarding and high-level operational support for 300+ pre- and post-doctoral researchers across 30 labs. Manage Psychology Study Pool, including SONA updates, review/approval of study postings, and IRB oversight/compliance. Coordinate local procedure for human subject participant payments. Oversee restricted fund application and award tracking process.
• Manage Research Facilities: Coordinate with ED and OPRP on space planning needs. Coordinate with local Building Ops for requests related to: furniture, painting/cleaning offices, keys, swipe access, technology upgrades, etc. Coordinate annual space survey in consultation with OPRP and lab staff.
• Support Department Operations: Assist ED with lab personnel requests. Approve time for Research Assistants in labs. Oversee equipment tagging and computer inventory. Manage research events (Festschrifts, Colloquia, etc.). Support department communications (local newsletter, Slack, social media, swag, etc.).

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree