Scientific Manager, Bertarelli Rare Cancer Initiative

harvarduniversity

Boston, MA, United States · Boston · United States

Posted May 28, 2026

Full-time
Hybrid
Office of Research Initiatives and Global Programs
Not Applicable

Job description

Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Why join Harvard Medical School? Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership. You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine. Job Description The Scientific Manager for the Bertarelli Rare Cancers Initiative (BRCI) at Harvard will report directly to the Co-Directors and coordinate all phases of BRCI-funded research and collaborative scientific activities of the Initiative. In close coordination with the Co-Directors, this position will integrate basic, translational, and clinical research projects across the BRCI-funded activities at Harvard (including Harvard Medical School, HMS-affiliated Hospitals, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and any other Harvard Schools and Departments), as well as with collaborating institutions outside of Harvard. Duties and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Execute implementation of the BRCI scientific vision, long-range scientific plan, and research priorities. Design collaboration strategy for BRCI-funded investigators. This may entail development of project groups, organization of symposia, creating scientific content for the website, or other research activities associated with the BRCI research mission (e.g., monthly meetings, workshops, and scientific retreats). Interact regularly with BRCI-funded investigators to enable achievement of both collaborative and individual research goals. Tasks may include acquisition of resources (from both internal and external sources); securing appropriate regulatory and compliance approvals as appropriate; enabling data sharing agreements, material transfer agreements, and institutional approvals across collaborating sites; communicating timely news, research opportunities, and ongoing activities and events; and aligning program activities across BRCI research projects. Establish and manage processes for new project proposal submission and review and tracking of research progress reports, publications, external funding, and other benchmark data. Analyze actual milestone achievements against stated goals for individual researchers and teams. Keep Co-Directors regularly informed about project progress. Write and present program reports, study reports, and scientific briefings for key stakeholders internal to HMS, external funders, and collaborators, including the preparation of externally facing public symposium presentations and presentations to funding agencies. In conjunction with a grant manager(s), jointly monitor project budgets and financial reporting for funded research activities within individual BRCI research groups and across multi-investigator projects. Create purchase orders for external vendors as needed. Actively participate in BRCI meetings organized by the HMS Dean’s Office and foster key relationships with the administrative offices of HMS departments and affiliated institutions as needed. Potentially supervise individuals contracted or hired to support BRCI. Other tasks as assigned. As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter and contact information for three references that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: PhD required. 7+ years of cancer-related laboratory, clinical research or related experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills: At least 5 years in project and/or lab management, or similar qualifications preferred. Prior teaching and collaborative cancer research experience preferred. Deep understanding of cancer biology, knowledge and experience with the spectrum of cancer research from fundamental discovery to clinical development and understanding of academic research processes. Strong knowledge of scientific and research principles, methodologies, and experimental design. Demonstrated experience in scientific project management across multidisciplinary research teams. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively engage with a broad array of senior scientists Exceptional scientific communication and writing skills. Strong organizational and project management skills Ability to work independently as a “self-starter” with exceptional collaborative skills and focus on “team science” Ability to communicate complex scientific information to diverse audiences, including clinicians, basic scientists, and non-scientific stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and mentor trainees and early-stage career scientists, and to assist in resolving complex scientific and logistical issues. Outstanding ability to work independently and balance multiple research projects and timelines simultaneously. Strong ability to work both as a member of a team and to constructively facilitate positive teamwork in collaborative research activities. Ability to organize large and small meetings, including for external Scientific Advisors and Reviewers, the local scientific community, and international web-based or other symposia and events. Strong record of scientific writing, contributions to research publications, and effective collaboration. Supervisory experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to guide individuals and teams effectively to develop and achieve work plans, milestones, collaborations, and communications. Ability to oversee all aspects of scientific discovery and project management, ensure defined deliverables are produced, and overcome barriers and challenges to any multi-investigator research efforts. Additional Information Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 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 Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal. #LI-KM2 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.