Job Description

About us:
The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges.

About You:
You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver with a strong attention to detail. You are an excellent communicator and are comfortable with exercising a high degree of judgment and problem solving to your responsibilities. You want to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to providing grants expertise and support for a cutting-edge Research Institute. You are excited to contribute to the visionary work of creating novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You adapt easily to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working with diverse groups of people across all levels of the organization.


About the Role:
We are looking for a talented individual to join our team as a Senior Sponsored Research Officer (SSRO). Reporting to the Associate Director of Sponsored Finance, you will independently manage pre– and post-award aspects of a complex portfolio for interdisciplinary faculty. Sponsors include: ARPA-H, DARPA, IARPA, DOD, ARPA-E, DOE, NSF, NIH, Industry, FDA, private funders and others. You will provide an outstanding level of customer service to a broad customer base on a variety of issues related to sponsored programs, and research administration in general.

What you’ll do:
Pre-award Activities: You will work closely with senior staff scientists, researchers and faculty to develop sponsored proposals in line with Institute and Platform missions. You will liaise with Office of Sponsored Programs, compliance officer and others to ensure proposals are compliant, will secure Wyss leadership support, and provide guidance on all aspects of applications. You will identify and disseminate funding opportunities and liaise with Office of Technology Development and Business Development teams on areas related to commercialization.
Post Award Activities: You will authorize and approve expenditures, review monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc financial reports, forecast financial scenarios, and make/implement sound recommendations for spending plans. You will also interpret and apply financial and compliance-related policies, maintain close subrecipient oversight, monitor special terms and conditions and provide financial updates to PIs (faculty and senior staff scientists), sponsors, and Wyss leadership, which may include providing data for presentations to the Board of Directors and its committees.
General Activities: You will prepare Principal Investigator rights requests, and advise on issues related to research administration. You may also liaise or coordinated other research related agreements and documents (unfunded research collaboration agreements, data security reviews, billing agreements, etc.). You may also participate in sponsor-driven technical meetings and present financial data, along with assuming other special projects to support the Sponsored Team and Wyss community.

What you'll need:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations


Desirable Skills:
Bachelor's Degree preferred. Working knowledge of Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations; NIH policies and procedures; Department of Defense policies and procedures; and current issues in sponsored research administration. Familiarity with federal and procurement-type contracts, various research agreements, Gantt charts and technical reporting is a plus. The ideal candidate is self- directed, can prioritize duties and meet multiple deadlines. Must be able to work with and advise a diverse group of researchers across appointment types. Need to be able to use a high degree of judgment and to make sound independent decisions. Attention to detail and ability to multitask is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Need to be able to work independently with minimal supervision, and handle complex and confidential information with discretion. Strong computer and/or analytical skills. Desire and aptitude to learn complex data query tools required. Customer service focus required.

Familiarity with Harvard's grants management systems and policies is desirable. Desire and willingness to assume increasing responsibilities, help develop streamlined processes, build better business procedures. Flexibility and a mindset of getting things done are very important. Ability to function in an entrepreneurial setting is essential.

Working Conditions:
This position will be based on our campus in Boston, MA and may require some on-campus presence. Subject to business needs, the Wyss Institute generally supports flexible work arrangements.

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.

Additional Information: Harvard is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.



Why you’ll like working with us:
At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our community will be relocating to a new, state of the art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood in late summer 2023, where you will have access to multiple amenities including a roof terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.