Senior Research Compliance Officer

Senior Research Compliance Officer – Harvard University

Join Harvard University to serve as a Senior Research Compliance Officer (SRCO) within the Office of Research Compliance, reporting to the University Chief Research Compliance Officer. The role requires in‑depth knowledge of research compliance regulatory areas and the ability to develop, coordinate, and implement effective compliance programs at the university level.

The Office of Research Compliance is part of Harvard University’s Central Administration. It oversees review, development, and implementation of policies related to research compliance, collaborates with central and school offices, manages university‑wide committees, and coordinates guidance on regulatory issues.

• Establish and maintain institutional policies, procedures, guidelines, and programs that enable compliant research while meeting federal and state regulations.
• Develop and implement an educational and training program covering compliance program elements for all employees and managers.
• Coordinate internal compliance review and monitoring activities, including periodic policy reviews.
• Investigate compliance matters, design and coordinate investigations with related units, and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee implementation of specific compliance program components.
• Participate in Provostial Reviews and serve as staff person for university‑wide committees reporting to the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.
• Conduct national‑level representation of Harvard at meetings and build national reputations for the university’s compliance program.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Advanced degree required and a minimum of 10 years of experience researching and analyzing complex laws, regulations, agency policies, and related documentation.

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or J.D.) preferred and may count toward years of experience.
• Strong ability to evaluate existing university operations and recommend new or enhanced policies.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both verbal and written, for complex regulatory issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with internal units and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of project management, operations analysis, and legislative procedures.
• Experience leading and managing projects, handling multiple issues concurrently, and exercising independent judgment.

• Standard hours: 35 hours per week; hybrid schedule (3 days in‑office, 2 days remote).
• Compensation range: see Harvard salary grade 060; no visa sponsorship available for this position.
• Benefits include generous paid time off (including parental leave), full‑coverage medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement plans, wellness resources, family support, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and other campus perks.
• Pre‑employment screening includes references and background checks (identity, education, criminal).
• 3‑month orientation and review period; work location determined by department subject to policy.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. Our policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.