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-opportunities
 

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)
 

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-values-diversity-statement

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.