Coordinator I (Research Program Coordinator)

The Department of Epidemiology, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, studies the frequency, distribution, and determinants of disease in humans, a fundamental science of public health. In addition to pursuing ground-breaking global research initiatives, we educate and prepare future medical leaders and practitioners as part of our mission to ignite positive changes in the quality of health across the world.

The Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics (CCDD) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, established in September 2009, is focused on improving methods for mathematical modeling and statistical inference on infectious disease data, engagement with policy makers to use the results of transmission dynamic studies to improve decisions, and outreach to multiple constituencies to provide education about communicable disease dynamics, tools for their analysis, and opportunities for interaction with scientists in the field. The Center is led by Director, Prof. Marc Lipsitch, and Associate Director, Prof. Caroline Buckee.

The Center works in key areas of research, outreach/education, and policy. The research efforts of the CCDD have contributed to an improved local, national and international response to the 2009 H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics, expanded methodology for intervention targeting for communicable diseases, and made a substantial advance in our understanding of the mechanisms of seasonality of influenza, among many other achievements.

CDC Project (80%)
The Research Project Coordinator (RPC) will support projects and tasks related to a $5 million, three-year Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sub-contract award focused on mathematical modeling development to improve national and global responses to pandemics and emerging health threats. Reporting to the Sr. Strategic Programs Manager, the RPC will work with seven contract PIs, postdoctoral fellows, and staff, and will exercise a high degree of organization and attention to detail, while playing a key role in planning and executing meetings and conferences.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Communicating with officials at CDC, prime institution, and other external partners
• Tracking and managing contract-funded preprints and publications
• Coordinating planning, execution and follow up for contract-related events, including a meeting on standards for public health data and two conferences focused on increasing diversity in mathematical modeling and public health.
• Preparing and producing financial reports using online financial systems, such as reimbursements for travel, corporate cards, invoices, and responding to financial related questions from PIs and research team
• Managing appointment scheduling, arranging meetings, teleconferences, and travel
• Assisting with planning and execution of modeling capacity building programs including an embedding program with public health institutions, and a training program in Rwanda
• Working closely with Co-PIs (Drs. Yonatan Grad and Caroine Buckee) and Sr. Strategic Programs Manager to achieve progress toward contract deliverables
• Coordinating event logistics including travel, lodging, venue, catering, AV, communication, per diem/reimbursements etc., ensuring compliance with CDC regulations
• Serving as backup point of contact for Sr. Strategic Programs Manager
• Organizing and assisting with facilitation of a monthly online journal club
• Developing and updating website/social media content related to the contract
• Contributing to the writing and review of regular status updates and annual progress reports, project deliverables, and other materials

CCDD Projects (20%)
The RPC will also support the Center’s research and administrative operations, and work on special projects.

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing additional research and administrative support as needed and performing other duties as assigned
• Preparing and monitoring IRB applications, modifications, continuing reviews, and information for reporting, working closely with CCDD investigators and the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Research Compliance (ORARC) staff
• Serving as liaison between the CCDD team and administrative staff of the Department of Epidemiology and/or School and University as needed
• Streamlining office procedures, updating and maintaining tracking documents, supporting development of reports
• Working on special projects which include the planning and coordination of events, conferences, seminars and working group meetings

PLEASE NOTE: Occasional evening work may be required to support program events. This position has a term appointment of 1 year from date of hire with the possibility of extension based on continued funding availability. This is a hybrid position and this position will be based in Boston, MA. Additional detail pertaining to this position will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, California (exempt staff only), Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington).

• 4+ years of related work experience required; a combination of education and work experience may be considered

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Experience organizing events, conferences, and meetings
• Works well independently and takes initiatives
• High level of professionalism with outstanding interpersonal skills
• Experience and comfortability working with Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google products (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides) strongly preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including skills with cross-cultural communication
• Bachelor's Degree
• Dedicated, team-player with demonstrated flexibility and commitment to the Center's mission
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

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.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.

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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.

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

General Administration

USA - MA - Boston

403134 Coordinator I

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Epidemiology

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Full-time

054

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Identity

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.