Senior Research Portfolio Administrator

10-Oct-2024

Senior Research Portfolio Administrator

Harvard Medical School

67000BR

Job Summary

The mission of the Department of Genetics at the Harvard Medical School encompasses research and education while serving as a focal point for drawing together and integrating basic and clinical genetic efforts conducted across the University, the School, and HMS-affiliated hospitals. The scope of the work conducted includes but is not limited to human genetics of both single gene disorders and complex traits, development of genomic technology, cancer biology, developmental biology, signal transduction, cell biological problems, stem cell biology, computational genetics, immunology, synthetic biology, epigenetics, evolutionary biology, and plant biology. The Department is strongly committed to supporting its current community of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, securing the best up-and-coming scientists, and setting its sights on future research opportunities.

Research Portfolio Administration is integral to the department's success. Research Portfolio Administrators oversee the administration, management, and reporting of research funds devoted to innovative genetic studies to unravel human biology's complexities. They coordinate grant proposals, manage budgets, ensure compliance with funding guidelines, and foster collaborative relationships with principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. They are vital in advancing groundbreaking genetics research with the highly regarded faculty in a collaborative environment that offers a unique opportunity to develop and hone critical thinking, financial analysis, and communication skills while supporting the academic mission of Harvard Medical School.
 

Position Description

Areas of accountability in Research Portfolio Administration within Genetics include but are not limited to:

Pre-Award responsibilities:

• Managing the application process with researchers, subrecipient institutions, and other administrators to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Working with PIs to prepare and submit grant applications for basic and clinical research (if applicable), ensuring that all sponsor guidelines are met.
• Advising researchers on funding opportunity requirements and fiscal, administrative, and compliance policies and procedures.
• Preparation of project-specific budgets, including proper application of F&A costs.
• Entering proposals into Harvard’s system of record (GMAS) and sponsor portals (e.g., ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, Research.gov, Proposal Central) and routing to ORA for institutional review, authorization, and submission.
• Drafting timely responses to Just-In-Time requests, including revised budgets, current and pending support, and compliance approvals (e.g., IRB, IACUC) information.

Post-Award responsibilities:

• Daily monitoring of grants and contracts for PIs assigned to a department portfolio.
• Serving as the principal source of information on complex fiscal policies and procedures, including federal funding regulations, and advising faculty and staff on existing options or alternatives.
• Post-award management with a high degree of complexity; manages portfolio, including program projects, philanthropic gifts, and various domestic and international sub-agreements from federal and non-federal funding sources, ensuring compliance with federal and university cost principles.
• Understanding and applying award terms and conditions, regularly reviewing study progress, and generating accurate and timely invoices to sponsors.
• Monitoring sponsored award expenditures to ensure that expenses are properly charged and reimbursed, according to award terms and conditions and within budget limits and timelines.
• Managing oversight of subrecipients, including ongoing monitoring of spending and of special terms and conditions.
• Preparing financial projection reports to analyze spending patterns and rates. Notifying PIs about funding shortfalls and planning for contingencies.
• Reviewing and approving payments, including vendor invoices, individual reimbursements, and other accounts payables and receivables up to $25k.
• Submitting timely payroll changes for faculty and staff.
• Maintaining accurate records of personnel effort and corresponding salary charges to sponsored awards and assisting faculty and staff with quarterly and annual effort certifications.
• Preparing progress reports and prior approval requests and routing them for institutional review, authorization, and submission to sponsors.
• Interpret and administer university guidelines and sponsored research regulations; provide guidance to faculty about department, university, and sponsored policies.
• Working with OSP to close out sponsored projects per award requirements.

If you have a passion for genetics research, a desire to lend your exceptional organizational skills, and a knack for financial management toward improving human health, we invite you to join our team! Take this unique opportunity to contribute to unraveling human biology's complexities while developing your skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Basic Qualifications

Five or more years of experience in sponsored research administration or related experience required. Higher education may count toward years of experience.

For details regarding department and role-specific Basic Qualifications, visit our department webpage at:
https://genetics.hms.harvard.edu/about-us/departmental-employment-oppor…
 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal Uniform Guidance, NIHGPS, NSF PAPPG, and current issues in research administration.
• Experience using ASSIST, eRA Commons, Research.gov, Grants.gov Workspace, and other sponsor systems.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and independently in managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid computer skills such as proficiency with Microsoft Office; intermediate to advanced Excel skills required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial principles, budget management, and financial analysis.
• Experience and working knowledge with clinical trials for the full span of an award preferred (if applicable).

Additional Information

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.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)
 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Job Function

Finance

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

405007 Financial Professional (N)

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

056

Department

Genetics

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values    https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-valu…

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.

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