Associate Research Director

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the PI, Matthew K. Nock, the Associate Research Director (ARD) is responsible for program management, research management, and operational needs of the Nock Lab in the Department of Psychology.

The Nock Lab’s primary research goal is to understand why people engage in behaviors that are harmful to themselves and to translate the knowledge gained into better methods for assessing and treating harmful behaviors. The research is multi-disciplinary and uses a range of complementary methodological approaches (e.g., epidemiologic surveys, laboratory-based experiments, clinic-based studies, and real-time monitoring) to better understand how these behaviors develop, how to predict them, and how to prevent their occurrence.

This position will oversee research teams and the execution of research projects along with the PI, who will own the intellectual agenda. The ARD will act as a liaison between the lab, external research collaborators, and relevant internal offices (e.g., grants, IRB) to ensure that competing priorities line up with the lab’s intellectual agenda and schedule of deliverables.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

This position will work with the research teams on experiments, surveys, data collection, and data analysis, while managing relationships with funders and collaborators. The ARD will have a broad range of duties falling into two main categories: program management/operations and research management.

With supervision and general direction from the PI, this individual will oversee significant portions of the research, identify issues through consultation with partner organizations, manage the execution of work plans, oversee projects, and represent the lab at meetings, conferences, and workshops in alignment with the PI’s priorities.

Program Management

• Manages relationships with funders and partners, writes monthly and quarterly reports for funders, and ensures deliverables are met.
• Supports all aspects of the PI's mission in research, teaching, and public outreach.
• Responds to internal/external inquiries and represents the lab as directed by the PI.
• Manages program details and operations in close coordination with PI, including defining requirements, ensuring adequate resources, establishing timelines, evaluating and revising project plans, and advising on project issues.
• Manages personnel for PI’s research group (including postdocs, research scholars, graduate students, HUCTW RAs, undergraduate RAs, other trainees, and visitors).
• Conducts searches for research scholars, including hiring and onboarding them in collaboration with the PI and departmental administration.
• Creates business processes, trains lab members, and oversees day-to-day operations of the lab.
• Assists in planning and facilitating lab meetings, making recommendations and pertinent changes to program content and objectives.
• Communicates lab needs to Faculty Support Staff to ensure timely lab purchases, reimbursements, and other financial tasks.
• Works with the Business Office and Faculty Support Staff as needed to ensure timely and accurate financial reports to inform PI decision-making and ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures

Research Management

• Aids in implementation of complex research projects for the Nock Lab.
• Manages day-to-day operation of research projects.
• Instructs lab personnel in laboratory techniques, explains and demonstrates research methodologies, and ensures that established research procedures are followed.
• Keeps up-to-date on advances in the field, provides input on ideas and project direction, while driving project milestones.
• Manages all aspects of quality assurance, compliance, and regulatory activities that apply to the lab’s research, including data security, IRB requirements, funding restrictions, etc.
• Identifies and recruits research subjects. Develops interview procedures and conducts interviews with research participants with mental disorders.
• Collects and screens data and conducts literature reviews.
• Participates in writing pre-award grant proposals and reports to funding agencies.
• Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting research results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications (MS Word, Excel, R).
• Writes and collaborates with other researchers on manuscripts, abstracts, and other publications of research findings
• Presents research results and represents the lab at meetings, workshops, or conferences, domestically and/or internationally.

Contributes to unit goals by undertaking other duties as required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in clinical psychology or closely related field
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in clinical psychology research or closely related field (education beyond Master’s may count toward experience)

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong scientific background, ideally with a PhD in clinical psychology
• Relevant work experience managing complex research projects
• Refined project management skills
• Proven record of strong leadership skills
• Strong understanding of research methods and protocols
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally with diverse constituency.
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work across teams and with a variety of projects.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:

  This is a grant funded two-year term position with the possibility of renewal contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.

  All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types 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.

Salary Grade: 058