Creative Lead

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Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Summary:

The Disease Biophysics Group at Harvard University is seeking a Creative Lead to join the lab in a part-time, embedded capacity. This is a transdisciplinary role sitting at the intersection of scientific research, creative practice, and communications. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to support the lab's public-facing creative output, oversee the visual and communicative identity of the group's external programs, and contribute original artistic work informed by the lab's research environment.

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership

• Establish and maintain the creative direction and visual identity of the lab's external-facing programs and outputs by working with trainees in support of sponsored programs.
• Oversee the development of creative concepts from inception through to completion.
• Ensure consistency of tone, identity, and aesthetic standards across all public-facing materials and publications.
• Contribute original artistic work as part of the lab's ongoing creative program.

Program Management

• Manage and coordinate potential creative collaborations.
• Oversee production timelines, budgets, and external vendor relationships for creative projects.
• Coordinate logistics for public-facing events, presentations, and program activities

Brand & Communications

• Serve as brand guardian for all external-facing materials and communications; ensuring nothing is released without creative sign-off and stakeholder interests are met.
• Write and oversee all public-facing narrative, copy, and communications materials.
• Translate complex scientific subject matter into accessible language for non-specialist audiences.

External Relations

• Manage relationships with external partners, collaborators, and stakeholders relevant to the lab's creative program.
• Identify and develop funding opportunities relevant to the creative and communications work of the group.
• Represent the lab's creative program in relevant professional contexts.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment. 

Physical Requirements:

There are no significant physical requirements of this role. 

Basic Qualifications:

College degree in related field required, or an equivalent of education plus relevant experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in design engineering preferred.
• Five or more years of related experience preferred.
• An established creative practice with a portfolio of original work.
• Demonstrated experience in a creative direction, art direction, or equivalent leadership role.
• Strong written communication skills; ability to write clearly and precisely for a range of audiences.
• Experience managing creative projects from concept through to delivery.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, research-led environment.
• Genuine interest in science and the ability to engage with complex research subject matter.
• Experience working within or alongside academic or research institutions.
• Experience managing visiting artists, collaborators, or creative residency programs.
• Familiarity with grant writing or arts funding applications.
• Existing networks within creative industries; arts, design, fashion, film, or photography.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 20 standard hours per week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Thursdays 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Required:

• A current CV or résumé.
• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role.
• A portfolio or link to examples of creative work.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.