Assistant Director of Research Development

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Why join the Harvard School of Dental Medicine?

Located in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is at the forefront of dental education, research, and patient care. Founded in 1867, HSDM holds the distinction of being the first dental school in the U.S. to be part of a university and its medical school, and the first to confer the DMD degree. Our mission is to foster a community of global leaders in education, research, and clinical innovation dedicated to improving human health by integrating dentistry and medicine. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team and contribute to our rich tradition of excellence and innovation in the dental field.

The Assistant Director of Research Development is responsible for supporting HSDM’s research strategy by identifying funding opportunities and assisting faculty and research teams with proposal development. The incumbent will work collaboratively with faculty and HSDM and University partners on assigned activities that help strengthen HSDM’s competitiveness for research funding, including support for interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships and research-related professional development programs.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Conduct funding prospecting and research to identify relevant federal, foundation, corporate, philanthropic, and other funding opportunities using knowledge of funding landscape and relevant databases, and in collaboration with HSDM partners. Maintain a curated list of opportunities and prepare and disseminate customized funding-related information for faculty and research teams.
2. Assist faculty and proposal teams with proposal development activities, including strategic narrative development and drafting of non-technical sections. For large-scale submissions, collaborate with proposal and grant administration teams to provide project management support.
3. Develop and maintain a repository of research-related resources, including funding opportunities, proposal checklists and timelines, as well as tools to identify and connect researchers with potential collaborators.
4. Contribute to efforts to increase the visibility of HSDM research, faculty expertise, and research accomplishments to potential funders and collaborators.
5. In collaboration with the Director and internal and external constituents, support the creation and/or implementation of faculty programs, workshops, and other professional development activities.
6. Contributes to the mission and vision of HSDM and models the School’s core values in all facets of the work.
7. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Working Conditions:

1. Work is generally performed in a typical office setting with use of typical office equipment such as a computer.
2. Position may require ability to traverse clinic, wet, and dry lab space on multiple floors throughout the building.

Basic Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. A minimum of five years professional experience in academic research development or a closely related field.
3. Advanced knowledge of sponsored research and research funding, including comprehensive knowledge of funding opportunities from government agencies.
4. Ability to work effectively and efficiently both onsite and remotely, onsite as business needs require at the discretion of the manager which may be five days per week at times.
5. Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check at hire.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

1. Master’s degree or equivalent in biomedical science/ health sciences or a related field.
2. Strong scientific background and ability to engage credibly across disciplines.
3. Ability to analyze funding announcements, infer sponsor priorities, and strategically position proposals.
4. Strong organizational, project-management, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
5. Excellent written and verbal, including ability to communicate with various levels of stakeholders. Experience working with faculty in an academic research environment.
6. Demonstrated expertise in grant writing and/or review and ability to provide constructive feedback on proposal structure, narrative positioning, responsiveness, and readability.
7. Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, data analysis, dashboards, reporting tools, and appropriate AI-enabled technologies.
8. Experience contributing to institutional, administrative, and other non-scientific proposal sections, budgets, and submission materials.
9. Sound business judgment and ability to assess feasibility, risk, resources, and strategic value.
10. Ability to manage competing priorities with limited supervision and build effective relationships with faculty, administrators, grant-management professionals, and external stakeholders.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $90,000-$105,000
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

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 057. 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.