Researcher Affairs Specialist – 2-year term

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Massachusetts.

📋 Description

• Oversee a portfolio of researcher appointments throughout the entire employee lifecycle.

• Manage the processing of appointments, reappointments, salary adjustments, FTE modifications, and title changes.

• Evaluate appointments, reappointments, and promotions to ensure compliance with FAS policies and appointment regulations.

• Maintain accurate records of researcher personnel.

• Monitor appointment end dates, reappointment dates, and review dates, while communicating upcoming actions.

• Assist in and coordinate the hiring and onboarding processes for researchers.

• Facilitate visual compliance screenings and initiate visa processes as necessary.

• Begin and oversee I-9 processing and employment eligibility verification.

• Collaborate with the Harvard International Office concerning visa status, timelines, and researcher appointments.

• Keep track of visa-related requirements and ensure adherence to University policies and relevant regulations.

• Ensure compliance with union contracts and researcher appointment policies.

• Enter and/or approve payroll and job data transactions.

• Work with grant managers, payroll, and departmental administrators on intricate transactions.

• Monitor funding for appointments and the implications for payroll.

• Act as the primary contact for departments regarding researcher transactions and appointment inquiries.

• Provide guidance to faculty, principal investigators, and administrators on appointment types, processes, and policy requirements.

• Address researcher-related issues and direct stakeholders to the appropriate resources.

• Respond to queries related to transactions, appointments, payroll, and policy interpretation.

• Develop working relationships with departments and University partners.

• Utilize independent judgment to identify compliance issues, propose solutions, and escalate exceptions or high-risk matters.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in an academic, research, or higher education setting.

• Experience in managing academic or research appointments.

• Familiarity with researcher lifecycle management, grants, and fellowships.

• Preferred experience in supporting faculty, researchers, or academic personnel administration.

• Experience with enterprise human resources systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to quickly adopt new applications, including database and document management systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in addressing sensitive and complex issues.

• Capability to prioritize competing demands and manage multiple time-sensitive priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong focus on customer service.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to interpret and convey complex policies and procedures to a diverse audience.

• Proven discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive personnel information.

• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing organizational priorities.

• Note: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

• Identity and education pre-employment screening required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.

• Retirement plans with contributions from the university.

• Access to wellbeing and mental health resources.

• Support for families and caregivers.

• Opportunities for professional development, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.

• Commuter benefits.

• Discounts and campus perks.