Director for Postdoctoral Affairs

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

About the Office for Research Initiatives and Global Programs:

The Office for Research Initiatives and Global Programs at Harvard Medical School oversees inter-departmental and inter-institutional research initiatives, fellowship programs, research cores, and education and training programs. Spanning about 40 different programs implemented by 50+ faculty and staff through an annual budget of about $30M, the Office for Research Initiatives and Global Programs is seeking a Director for Postdoctoral Affairs to lead the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows at Harvard Medical School (OPF).

Reporting to the Dean for Research Initiatives and Global Programs, the Director for Postdoctoral Affairs is a key leader who works collaboratively with OPF staff and other institutional leaders to design, implement, strengthen, and broaden postdoctoral fellowship experiences for scientific advancement and professional and career development in the Harvard Longwood community. Specific responsibilities include:

Design and implement the mission of the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows to serve approximately 600 postdocs in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School

• Provide strategic leadership for postdoctoral training at HMS/HSDM, including setting and executing annual office goals, managing staff (currently one full-time employee), and overseeing the office budget.
• Solicit feedback on strategic direction from the Office’s Advisory Committee. 
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve comprehensive postdoc programming, including orientation, training curriculum, outreach and recruitment, and collaborations that expand services.
• Open this programming to the HMS non-ladder faculty community and to the broader HMS-wide postdoc community, including postdocs at affiliate institutions (approximately 5,000 postdocs).
• In collaboration with the HMS Office of Faculty Affairs, develop and manage data, systems, and policies related to postdocs, including dashboards, process and policy repositories, and an alumni database for outcomes and networking.
• Support the postdoctoral community and institutional mission by assessing needs, writing grant support letters, and supervising the Harvard Medical Postdoctoral Association and HMS Black Postdoctoral Association.

Provide career coaching and professional development assistance to the HMS/HSDM postdoc community

• Advise and mentor postdocs on career options and counsel postdocs on how to successfully complete training, make the most of the postdoc, and prepare for career transition.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive programs and services, including workshops, seminars, career events, career counseling, mentoring, and individualized development plans.
• Implement strategies to expand and improve professional development, social experience, and the personal well-being of postdoctoral trainees, including mental health assistance during crisis situations or career transitions.

Create, lead, or participate in school-wide ad hoc committees, working groups, and project teams to develop and enhance services that support the needs of postdoctoral scholars

• Co-Chair the Academic Working Group and serve on school and university committees as assigned.
• Participate on the leadership team for the Research Rigor, Reproducibility, & Responsibility (R3) Initiative.
• Inform and collaborate with department chairs, administrators, peer offices, and industry partners within and external to Harvard Medical School on topics and projects related to postdoc training.
• Understand, interpret, and provide subject matter expertise on the application of postdoc policies and guidelines.

Direct or Co-Direct the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Program for postdocs

• Partner with the Center for Bioethics to deliver the RCR Program.
• Teach RCR sessions using cutting edge pedagogical techniques.
• Supervise RCR administrative team including class scheduling and facilitator recruitment.
• Oversee course communications and management, materials and content, and compliance.
• Work with the Office of Graduate Education and the Curriculum Fellows Program to align and strengthen the postdoc RCR course and the graduate student Responsible Conduct of Science (RCoS) course.

Other tasks as assigned

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time.
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's degree or Doctoral degree in biomedical field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral training preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing a postdoctoral fellows program or other trainee educational program.
• Creative thinker capable of crafting a future vision and building momentum toward achievement of this vision.
• Expert knowledge of needs assessment theory, processes, and practice; workshop and program design.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Outstanding communication skills with affinity for working closely with a broad spectrum of colleagues at Harvard Medical School and at affiliated institutions.
• Ability to prioritize, coordinate and direct multiple programs, operations, and services.
• Experience identifying institutional risks and resolving conflict.
• Familiarity with national postdoctoral and graduate training trends, networks, and resources.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills.
• Ability to work with students, colleagues, clients and external organizations.
• Communication skills (both written and verbal).

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. May be required to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. 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.