The Microbial Sciences Initiative (MSI) at Harvard University is an interdisciplinary science program aimed at a comprehensive understanding of the richest biological reservoir of the planet, the microbial world. MSI is playing a leadership role in this emerging area by creating an organizational focal point for microbial studies with strong links to already existing science departments at Harvard. To help support this endeavor, MSI seeks an enthusiastic, collaborative, and self-directed individual to provide technical and professional support to the Initiative.
Position Description
The Scientific Program Manager develops and plans scientific events such as a microbial science seminar series, symposia, and an annual microscopy workshop for Harvard undergraduate students. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Serves as the liaison between the faculty Directors and various departmental and interdepartmental committees.
Identifies, recommends, and makes changes to programs through on-going assessment, analysis, and evaluation.
Identifies and invites microbial scientists for lecture series. Works with and negotiates contracts with vendors for various events. Monitors and ensures that all spending adheres to budget.
Leads initiatives including outreach, education, and scientific planning.
Reviews grant and summer fellowship applications and make funding recommendations to MSI faculty directors.
Creates scientific content for website, marketing, and other promotional materials. Serves as main point of contact for a project to update and convert MSI website to a modern platform.
Organizes MSI digital presence, including website, listservs, Twitter feed, video streaming & archives.
Coordinates trainee-focused programs by tracking key dates/deadlines for secondary concentration and fellowships, serving as a point of contact for applicants, overseeing the intake of applications and administrative logistics, co-planning fellowship content, facilitating fellowship programming, assisting with logistics and coordinating post-award processes.
Manages Temporary, Less-Than-Halftime (LHTs), student workers, interns, and/or other contingent employees supporting MSI in an interim or temporary capacity.
Represents MSI on scientific and educational issues at the University and with external organizations. May speak on behalf of MSI at events and conferences.
Basic Qualifications
Master's degree in biological sciences.
3+ years experience in program development in an academic setting or equivalent.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Ph.D. in biological sciences preferred.
Outstanding communication skills and the capability to initiate and complete assignments with minimal direction.
Enjoy being part of a leading scientific community and contributing to a culture that is supportive and diverse.
Must stay engaged with scientific literature, and enjoy scientific writing, including translating scientific concepts for non-scientists.
Highly motivated, solution-driven, proactive, and effective both independently and within a team.
Flexible, energetic, diplomatic, and detail-oriented.
Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.
Harvard experience is a plus.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting.
Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours and may be contacted during off hours.
This is a full-time position with flexible hours. The selected candidate will need to be on campus. Any remote work must be performed in a state where Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, NJ, RI, WA, VT, and VA).
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
This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension based on funding and satisfactory performance.
We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
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.
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
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.
About Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.