Research Institute Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Description

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.

Harvard Business School, located on a 40‑acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world‑leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40‑acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world‑leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Job Description Job Summary

The Research Manager, AI will support research at the HBS AI Institute at Harvard by being the in‑house expert on research compliance, finance, and other policies leveraging AI tools to navigate these areas. The Research Manager will report to the HBS AI Institute Director of Research Services.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Configures, co‑develops, and uses AI tools to support faculty principal investigators and researchers developing required research documentation, such as Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, data use agreement (DUA) exhibits, scopes of work (SOW), and budgets, with the goal of accelerating approval by delivering better first drafts to HBS and Harvard research administration.
• Identifies additional opportunities for use of agentic AI and other tools to streamline compliance workflow and develops strategy for deployment and adoption by HBS AI Institute and other HBS faculty.
• Partners with HBS Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD) to enhance AI tools to best serve their needs as reviewers and approvers of research compliance documents.
• Serves as in‑house policy expert, well‑versed in University and HBS policies and how they intersect.
• Works across all parts of the HBS AI Institute research program, quickly understanding new projects and their compliance needs. Flags issues for escalation to appropriate HBS AI Institute, HBS, or Harvard offices.
• Conducts training on research policies and use of the AI tools for HBS AI Institute research associates and postdoctoral fellows. Promotes best practices for the responsible conduct of research and research integrity.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on‑site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in higher education or research. Demonstrated understanding of research methods and protocols preferred.
• Experience with research compliance protocols such as IRBs, DUAs, and data safety submissions.
• Strong and diplomatic communicator—both verbally and in writing.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to set and manage competing priorities in fast‑paced environment while maintaining a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot obstacles, proactive and collaborative abilities.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:
  • This position is approved for a 2‑year term (with possibility of renewal/extension) which begins on the person's first day of employment.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in‑person for this role.
  • A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

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 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.