Interdisciplinary Research Program Coordinator

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Design?

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates leaders in design, research, and scholarship to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers an unparalleled setting for interaction through the combination of disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, design engineering, real estate and housing—with an emerging research program and a robust public program of lectures and exhibitions.

SUMMARY: 

The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates design, research, and scholarship leaders to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers degree programs across a range of design disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, design engineering, and real estate—as well as advanced research programs that cut across these disciplines and a robust public program of lectures, exhibitions, and publications. The immense variety of people, programs, and ideas at the School sustains a vibrant and rich environment for learning, inquiry, and collaboration, unlike any other design school. For more information about Harvard GSD see: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/    

NOTE: This position is a Term appointment for up to three years depending on funding. 

Reporting to the Director of the Center for Green Buildings and Cities, the Interdisciplinary Research Program Coordinator supports the coordination and success of this interdisciplinary initiative. This dedicated team member will organize biweekly meetings co-led by thrust representatives, ensuring regular progress updates, cross-team alignment, and timely course corrections. This individual will serve as a central point of communication, facilitating effective information sharing across the project’s three integrated research thrusts—advanced thermal materials, intelligent building-scale systems, and cooperative urban-scale energy management. 

They will also be responsible for drafting internal and external reports that document project milestones, synthesize research outcomes, and communicate progress to key stakeholders. In addition to supporting integration across disciplines, this team member will facilitate collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that practical insights from the field inform the design and scalable deployment of project innovations. 

They will also coordinate the preparation and submission of proposals for extramural funding, helping to sustain and expand the project’s research and implementation efforts. This role is essential to advancing the project’s mission of scaling HouseZero®-inspired innovations into interconnected, energy-efficient communities and delivering impactful, real-world solutions to climate challenges. 

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Facilitate Cross-Team Coordination: Organize and co-lead biweekly meetings with representatives from each of the three research thrusts to ensure progress tracking, cross-team alignment, and timely decision-making. 
• Serve as a Communication Hub: Maintain clear and consistent information flow among research teams, leadership, and partners. 
• Documentation & Reporting: Draft comprehensive internal and external reports to document milestones, synthesize outcomes, and communicate progress to stakeholders. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with industry partners and external stakeholders to integrate practical insights into the research and deployment strategy. 
• Proposal Development: Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of proposals for extramural funding to sustain and expand the initiative. 
• Strategic Integration: Ensure cohesion across the three research thrusts, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and impact. 
• Mission Advancement: Help scale HouseZero®-inspired innovations into energy-efficient, interconnected communities that deliver real-world climate solutions. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

• This is an in-person role based in Cambridge, MA. The work is mainly performed in an office setting.  
• Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience leading or coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder research initiatives, particularly those involving sustainability, climate resilience, or urban systems. 
• Proven ability to synthesize interdisciplinary research and produce accessible technical and non-technical reports. 
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and organizational skills; experience managing collaborative teams and meetings. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and report preparation. 
• Familiarity with extramural funding processes and experience coordinating successful proposals. 
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and with external industry partners. 
• Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application. Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Advanced degree in engineering, architecture, urban planning, environmental science, energy systems, or a closely related interdisciplinary field, strongly preferred. 
• Subject matter knowledge in one or more of the initiative’s core focus areas: advanced thermal materials, intelligent building-scale systems, or urban-scale energy management. 
• Experience in interdisciplinary or systems-level research at the nexus of building design, sustainable technologies, and urban development. 
• Familiarity with real-world implementation of research-based innovations in the built environment. 

​​​​​​​​​​​Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application. 

• Appointment End Date: This position is a Term appointment for up to three years depending on funding. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity.

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 055. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.