Research Operations Manager, Physical Sciences in Cambridge

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The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and the Rowland Institute at Harvard seek a Research Operations Manager for Physical Sciences to join a highly collaborative, multi‑disciplinary research community pushing the boundaries of experimental science. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Rowland Institute, the physical sciences Research Operations Manager will combine technical and experimental support, design and prototyping, with safety and research operations to enable cutting‑edge experimental science across physics, engineering, and materials research.

This individual will manage and continually improve shared physical sciences laboratories and fabrication spaces, including a cleanroom, chemistry room, and shared experimental lab spaces. The successful candidate will maintain and operate a diverse suite of advanced scientific instrumentation (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, and vacuum systems); operate and modify custom experimental apparatus; and partner with Rowland Fellows and their research groups to translate ambitious ideas into reliable experimental setups.

In addition to overseeing shared facilities, the Research Operations Manager will serve as the Institute’s primary Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO) for the physical sciences, working with Harvard Environmental Health & Safety to promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, and best practices. This role is ideal for a resourceful, technically curious, and self‑directed professional who enjoys building things, solving practical problems, partnering with researchers on equipment and processes, and playing a central role in a world‑class experimental research environment.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Operations & Shared Facilities Management: Assist Rowland Fellows in evaluating and purchasing new equipment; liaise with vendors to negotiate, procure, and install new equipment. Manage shared physical science fabrication and research equipment at the Rowland Institute, including inventory, service contracts, and usage scheduling. Maintain equipment through repairing and preventive maintenance, and coordination with vendors when necessary. Provide training to researchers on scientific instrument best practices, usage, and safety. Maintain SOPs for these instruments. Organize and maintain shared spaces (chemistry room, cleanroom, and general physical sciences labs). Assist Executive Director with laboratory space design and transitions, including commissioning and decommissioning of research spaces.
• Assist in Design & Prototyping: Assist in the design, planning and overseeing of instrumentation and equipment fabrication and modification projects in collaboration with Fellows and their researchers. Collaborate with researchers on the design of research tools by reviewing design feasibility, fabrication methods, and materials selection.
• Experimental & Technical Support: Serve as an accessible resource and potential collaborator for experimental design, equipment expertise, and troubleshooting design and implementation.
• Safety & Compliance: Act as the Rowland Institute’s physical sciences Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO). Liaise with Harvard EHS to ensure compliance with safety standards. Conduct safety training, maintain chemical inventories, and oversee hazardous waste removal of the physical scientist labs. Train on safest laboratory practices and maintain a safe space and environment for efficient scientific research to be conducted.

Working Conditions: Physical sciences laboratory spaces include conditions applicable to chemistry, clean room, laser, electrical and magnetic research. Physical Requirements: Continuous walking, standing, sitting and manual dexterity. Frequent bending, lifting, handling, carrying, pushing, pulling, squatting, climbing, and reaching. Lifting (up to approximately 50 pounds) and other physical exertion. Standing and sitting for extended periods.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of related experience in research operations, laboratory management, or fabrication.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of advanced scientific instrumentation (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, and vacuum systems).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor researchers on safe and effective use of equipment.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
• Master’s degree or more advanced in chemistry, engineering, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM design.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety concepts.
• Beneficial to have experience with a range of machining, welding, and fabrication equipment (e.g., lathes, milling machines, TIG/MIG welding, 3D printers, laser cutter).
• May need to (infrequently) respond off‑hours to equipment emergencies.

Additional Information:

• 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.
• Work Format Details: This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. 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 056.
• Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

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