Research Director

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Project Zero is a research unit at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Under the general direction of the Principal Investigators, the Research Director (RD) will play a lead role on the Learning as a Practice of Healing Project. Learning as a Practice of Healing is an interdisciplinary research initiative that seeks to understand how learning can serve as a transformative practice, dedicated to healing our individual and collective connections with self, nature, and societies in times of change. A 1.5-year grant funds the project as phase one in a multi-year project. In this project, the RD works across multiple strands. 

The RD for this project will assume leadership on various aspects of the research, management, and operations oversight including (a) collaborating with PIs in fundraising efforts, (b) overseeing all strategic aspects of the research strategy, (c) supervising an interdisciplinary research team, (d) leading operational decisions, (e) advancing conceptualizations and writing concept papers, and (f) representing the project in dissemination efforts. The RD will communicate with and work with all project stakeholders, including current partners at Re-generating Education, future users of the work, and members of future high-level partnering organizations, to advance the project’s mission. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Specifically, these research responsibilities include:

(a) Collaborating with PIs in fundraising efforts: The RD contributes by identifying possible sources of future funding, making initial contacts with new potential future funders, developing innovative research questions, lines of inquiry, and practices that will advance the work of the project, PZ, HGSE, and the field. The RD collaborates with PIs to prepare and submit funding requests. 

(b) Overseeing all strategic aspects of the research: RD collaborates with PIs to provide oversight of research strategy by taking the lead on proposing novel research methods, determining methodological approach, overseeing data collection and analysis, and identifying project outcomes, benchmarks, and methods for measuring and assessing those outcomes. He or she works with and communicates with project stakeholders, including our partners at Regenerating Education, future users of the work, and members of future high-level partner organizations, to advance the project's mission. 

(c ) Supervising and collaborating with project staff: The RD oversees the smooth functioning of an interdisciplinary team of four researchers and students to advance a systematic literature review and framework design. This includes organizing weekly meeting times and agendas, co-facilitating weekly team meetings, meeting regularly in smaller groups with students and researchers, supervising the team of students and researchers, providing feedback and reviews of memos and materials produced, and directing the literature selected for review by students and researchers. 

(d) Leading operational decisions. The RD leads document management and digital storage of information, leads all internal project communication, manages all project-level purchases, and oversees team training on new IT tools and compliance with HGSE staff training requirements. He or she also leads all operational matters associated with on-site research retreats in the US and abroad. The RD will oversee operations for framework piloting initiatives in Turkey and the US, and liaise with potential future research partners at universities and research centers beyond HGSE. 

(e) Advancing conceptualizations and writing: The RD for this project prepares concept papers and internal analytical memos. He/she leads the design, facilitation, and synthesis of sensemaking sessions and retreats in collaboration with PIs.

(f) Representing the project in dissemination efforts.  The RD prepares and delivers plenary talks, small- and large-group sessions, panels, workshops, and conferences. Conceptualizing products for sharing in various forms (e.g., websites, articles, books, monographs) will be expected.

This is a term position with an end date of 9/30/26 with likelihood of continuation.

Please note that there is a candidate currently under consideration for this position.

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of research experience required. Demonstrated record of managing research projects.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Doctorate preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a history of relevant publications strongly desirable. 

• Appointment End Date: 9/30/2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $57,500 PT
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

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.