Senior Research Manager in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

002877SR
School/Unit Harvard Kennedy School
Department Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Job Function Research
Location Cambridge
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 057
FLSA Status Exempt
Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Term Appointment Yes

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. The Center brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to advance policy-relevant knowledge on critical issues at the intersection of science, technology, and international affairs. This position will be affiliated with the Belfer Center and collaborate with our vibrant intellectual community, including faculty-led research teams and center staff focused on related areas of international policy.

The Senior Research Manager (SRM) will report to Professor Gita Gopinath, the Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics at Harvard University and Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Professor Gopinath undertakes extensive research on the evolving global economic order and engages strategically with senior policymakers and private sector leaders to help architect a new and improved global economic order. She is also working on creating a Lab to enhance this work.

The SRM will be responsible for research management, day-to-day strategic development, and operational work associated with this agenda, including on developing the Lab.

Professor Gopinath is a leading voice on international finance and macroeconomics, with deep expertise in the architecture and evolution of the international economic and financial order. Her research addresses critical questions about dollar dominance and alternative payment systems, exchange rate dynamics, the fragmentation and resilience of global supply chains and trade flows, the management of sovereign debt in developing economies, the coordination (and divergence) of monetary policy across major central banks, the emergence of regional trade arrangements, and the transmission of financial crises across borders. She recently completed her tenure as First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (2022–2025), where she previously served as Chief Economist (2019–2022), giving her unique insight into how these economic forces shape geopolitics and international stability.

Professor Gopinath endeavors to produce cutting-edge research and analysis on how the international economic order is evolving—including shifts in trade patterns and global supply chains, changes in the international monetary system, and capital flows and financial stability. The goal is to produce rigorous, policy-relevant research designed to inform policymakers, international institutions, and scholars navigating a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The Senior Research Manager will be the operational and strategic lead for this agenda, working closely with Professor Gopinath to develop the research agenda, oversee projects, manage the team, and engage with external partners. This is an ideal role for someone who combines strong research and project management skills with a genuine interest in international economics, trade, finance, and their role in shaping international affairs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Program Strategy & Development

• Partner with Professor Gopinath to develop and refine the strategic research agenda and building the Lab.
• Contribute to the conceptualization and design of the Lab as a hub for research and analysis on the international economic order, including its structure, governance, and operational model
• Work with Professor Gopinath to define the Lab's research streams and establish timelines and milestones for key deliverables

Research Management & Oversight

• Manage and supervise a small team of undergraduate research assistants and pre-docs, providing guidance on research tasks and methodologies
• Review research in progress, provide feedback on analysis and writing, and ensure that research deliverables meet publication and policy standards
• Direct the production and dissemination of key research outputs, including data dashboards on the international economic and financial order, analyses of the evolving global trade system, and other policy-relevant research products
• Work with Professor Gopinath to establish deadlines, coordinate workflows, and ensure timely delivery of research outputs
• Work with Professor Gopinath to develop a new gateway course at Harvard called “Understanding the Global Economy.”

Policy Support

• Support Professor Gopinath's policy advisory work by drafting policy memos, briefs, and analytical materials
• Assist in preparing materials and analysis to inform the faculty director's engagement with government officials, international organizations, and other policy stakeholders
• Ensure that research produced by the Lab is translated into actionable policy insights and recommendations

External Engagement & Representation

• Build and maintain relationships with academic colleagues, policy practitioners, and institutional partners who engage with Professor Gopinath, including to help launch the Lab.
• Communicate the research findings and policy impact to external audiences through briefings, meetings, and other formats.

Operations & Administration

• Manage the budget and financial matters for Lab, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and compliance with Harvard guidelines
• Work closely with Professor Gopinath's faculty assistant to align operations and ensure smooth coordination of her activities with the broader faculty portfolio
• Track project milestones, manage timelines, and prepare updates on staff activities and progress
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in research management, policy, or international economics; OR a Master's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in international economics, finance, macroeconomics, or related fields
• Proven ability to manage research projects and oversee team members
• Experience working in an academic, policy, government, or research organization setting

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• A Master's degree in economics, public policy, international affairs, or a related field is preferred
• Experience in international finance, trade policy, or macroeconomics
• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and data analysis
• Experience working with or supporting senior faculty, government officials, or policy practitioners
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and a comfort with helping to build and shape new initiatives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex economic concepts clearly
• A demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and manage competing priorities

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits-eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA and is required to work in person 3 days/week.

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 057. 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.