Executive Director of Industry Research and Research Strategy

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Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Summary:

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is dedicated to fostering a dynamic research environment that enables approximately 100 tenure-track and tenured faculty, and their research groups, to pursue groundbreaking science and innovation. 

Reporting to the SEAS Dean for Research, SEAS seeks an Executive Director of Industry Research and Research Strategy to develop strategic research collaborations and facilitate the development of large-scale interdisciplinary research alliances with industry and foundations. 

The Executive Director’s primary role will be to enhance SEAS’s industry research funding portfolio, including industry-sponsored research and industry gifts for research. The Executive Director will also engage with foundations that fund research through grants or gifts and with individual donors seeking to fund SEAS research. This will be done in coordination with various SEAS and University offices, including the SEAS dean’s office, Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR), Office of Technology Development (OTD), and relevant development offices.

This position plays a critical role in strengthening SEAS’s research enterprise by supporting faculty in securing industry research funding, building research capacity, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. The Executive Director will foster SEAS’s partnerships with industry partners, external entities, and internal stakeholders to advance the school’s research mission. The Executive Director will also oversee the SEAS Office of Industry Research and Research Strategy.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Create proactive strategic plan for research engagement with industry, including a prioritized group of companies and an engagement plan for each. 
• Engage with industry to develop research opportunities, building long-term research relationships with industry stakeholders in senior leadership, research and development, and advanced science/product business units.
• Plan and develop large-scale (multi-$M) research alliances with industry in collaboration with relevant faculty.
• Partner with faculty to write/develop research white papers and research proposals for industry at multiple scales, from individual-scale projects to large-scale research alliances.
• Present SEAS’s research directions and scientific overviews of relevant faculty projects in meetings with industry, seeking alignment with industry needs and interests.
• With OVPR/OTD, develop new flexible and agile models of contractual engagement with industry, including terms and conditions related to intellectual property, investment rights, etc. that are acceptable to the University and SEAS. 
• Finalize SEAS-specific terms and conditions of industry sponsored research agreements or gift agreements in collaboration with school/university offices. 
• Perform similar strategic planning on all points above for scientific engagement with foundations who fund academic research. 
• Build and maintain relationships with SEAS faculty to understand, document, and synthesize their latest scientific research directions as applicable to industry.
• Oversee the Office of Industry Research and Research Strategy at SEAS, including setting and communicating the strategic priorities for the office and managing and developing the staff.
• Disseminate research opportunities to faculty, including regular/annual Calls for Proposals, from industry sponsors and foundations.
• Build relationships for complex center grants, particularly those with industry, federal or state government, and academia components.

Working Conditions:

The work will be performed primarily in an office environment on campus. Local, national and occasional international travel may be required. 

Physical Requirements:

Ability to travel as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

PhD or other doctoral degree in an engineering or science field with a minimum of 10 years of experience within industry, academia, scientific foundations, and/or government in business development, research development, and/or scientific/research program management. Alternatively, a master’s degree in engineering or science with a minimum of 12 years of experience in the areas listed above is also acceptable. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD in an engineering or science field strongly preferred.
• Prior experience developing large-scale (multi-$M) technical/research collaborations with industry, foundations, government, and/or academia.
• In-depth technical background in at least one scientific area relevant to SEAS, with scientific breadthto be able to discuss science across the school.
• Strong business development skills and industry network, with the ability to foster strong scientific relationships with external/industry stakeholders.
• Strong technical and scientific writing skills, with experience communicating science and building compelling narratives.
• Strong verbal communication skills, to convey research at multiple complexity levels.
• Experience with research contracts including terms and conditions of academic-industry contracts (e.g., intellectual property, investment rights, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with faculty and staff.
• Experience leading or supporting complex, multi-investigator proposal development efforts and translating research concepts into competitive funding applications.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and interdisciplinary team building.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week with a regular schedule of four workdays per week on campus.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

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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 061. 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.