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Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Located within the Department of Molecular Metabolism at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Hotamışlıgil Lab is at the forefront of uncovering the molecular roots of metabolic homeostasis. The research programs link these fundamental mechanistic pathways to  obesity- and age-associated disease clusters such as diabetes, fatty liver and pulmonary diseases, and atherosclerosis—with the ultimate goal of translating these discoveries into innovative therapies.

We are pursuing a first-in-class therapeutic antibody that has the promise to target a wide range of devastating metabolic diseases. As we are progressing towards translation and clinical testing, we are seeking a proactive and scientifically active Senior Project Manager to orchestrate our antibody discovery and pipeline generation efforts within our internal science team, and maintain regular communication with technology development offices, partnering companies, CROs, and other parties as needs emerge.

In this pivotal role, you will harmonize and actively engage in our internal and external scientific discovery efforts and link these with our partners—ensuring  that the research efforts are well directed and harmonized, our time and financial resources are utilized optimally, regulatory compliance in our research and data management are maintained at the highest level. This role will require thinking strategically to discern, develop, and maximize the value of potential partnerships and maintain regular reporting activities.

Learn more about our work at: https://www.gsh.sph.harvard.edu
 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director will work closely with the lab members, coordinate and advise internal projects and oversee the development, execution, and evaluation of collaborations. This role benefits from a strong scientific background, preferably in antibody-based therapeutic development, exceptional project management skills, and the ability to navigate the academic–industry interface to advance research and innovation.

Acting as a trusted “right hand” to the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will provide scientific, strategic, operational, and logistical support to ensure that partnership initiatives run smoothly, deliverables are met, and institutional goals are achieved.

Strategic Alliance Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for CRO and industry partners, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Negotiate project scopes, deliverables, and timelines in collaboration with the PI/faculty chair, legal, and technology transfer offices and outside CRO’s
• Ensure alignment of partnership activities with institutional research goals, compliance requirements, and sponsor expectations.
• Right-Hand Support to PI
• Coordinate cross-functional teams of faculty, research staff, faculty, regulatory personnel, and external partners to achieve project objectives.
• Partner closely with the PI to anticipate needs, address challenges, and streamline decision-making.
• Prepare briefing materials, data summaries, and strategic recommendations for the PI to use in decision making, negotiations, presentations, and meetings.
• Represent the PI in certain partner communications and internal working groups.
• Project Leadership: Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor progress and provide regular updates to the PI and other stakeholders, escalating issues when necessary.

Operational Coordination

• Coordinate research personnel and activities.  Actively engage with the research program on antibody development, prioritization, assays, and led optimization.
• Coordinate contracting processes, intellectual property considerations, and data sharing agreements in collaboration with relevant administrative offices.
• Champion and ensure outstanding record-keeping and data analysis to guide decisive action and support regulatory filings. Maintain accurate project records in compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of progress reports, regulatory documentation, and milestone deliverables.
• Facilitate regular meetings, prepare presentations, and workshops with internal and external stakeholders. Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable information for varied audiences, including senior leadership and industry executives.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of 2 years from date hire with the possibility of extension. The finalist for this position will be required to pass an occupational health screen. This position is primarily on-campus and this position will be based in Boston, MA. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Opportunities for travel may arise. Due to the nature of the work, some evening and on-call responsibilities may occur.     

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• 7+ years of relevant experience is required.

Additional Qualifications:

The following job-related skills and experience is preferred:

• Advanced degree such as MD or PhD in a relevant scientific area.
• 5+ years of Biopharma/biotech industry (or drug development) experience is a strong plus
• Hands-on involvement in therapeutic antibody development and related experimental framework
• Wet lab experience in biologics or immunology is highly valued
• Background or strong interest in metabolic disease and/or immunology experience is a strong plus
• Experience working in academia is welcomed
• Familiarity with intellectual property in drug development: you understand the basics of patents, invention disclosures, and protecting scientific discoveries
• Familiarity with data mining, project tracking software, and robust record-keeping
• Proven excellence in communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills  

• Appointment End Date: 2 year from hire with possibility of extension
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

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Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. 

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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. 

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 058. 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.