Director of Research Compliance
Harvard University · Boston, MA, United States · Posted Jul 6, 2026
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Job Summary
The Director of Research Compliance serves as Harvard Business School (HBS)’s senior subject matter expert on research compliance and a key member of the Research Administration team. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, researchers, administrators, and University offices to ensure compliance with applicable requirements while enabling innovative research. This role requires deep expertise in research compliance, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex and evolving issues with a practical, solutions-oriented approach.
The Director contributes in three primary areas:
1. Research Compliance Leadership
Provides strategic leadership, guidance, education, and oversight across research compliance domains, including human subjects protections, sponsored research, research collaborations, data governance, emerging technologies, and related regulatory requirements.
2. Governance and Institutional Decision-Making
Advises faculty and institutional leaders on complex research-related matters, helping balance research objectives, compliance obligations, and institutional risk.
3. Team Leadership
Leads and develops a team responsible for human subjects protections, research compliance, data management, and quality improvement initiatives.
Position Description
Reporting to the Managing Director, Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD) and Research Integrity Officer and working closely with faculty, Research Administration colleagues, HBS and University partners, the Director's responsibilities include:
Research Compliance Leadership
Serve as the School’s senior advisor on research compliance and lead the ongoing development and enhancement of HBS’s research compliance program.
Monitor and interpret federal, state, sponsor, University, and School requirements affecting faculty research.
Develop and maintain policies, procedures, guidance, training, and educational resources.
Assess compliance risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
Provide expertise in areas including human subjects’ protections, data governance and management, sponsored research compliance, export controls, intellectual property, research partnerships, and emerging technologies.
Identify opportunities to improve compliance operations through technology, automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools.
Lead efforts to modernize compliance operations and improve efficiency, consistency, and user experience through which compliance support is delivered.
Research Collaborations and Partnerships
Support the development and management of research collaborations involving faculty, sponsors, external organizations, and research partners.
Advise stakeholders on compliance, governance, and institutional considerations related to external partnerships.
Collaborate with the Office for Sponsored Programs, Office of Technology Development, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Vice Provost for Research, and other University offices.
Guide faculty and research teams on issues involving data sharing, AI, cloud services, digital platforms, and evolving research methodologies.
Help balance faculty research goals, institutional interests, compliance requirements, and partner expectations.
Governance and Institutional Decision-Making
Partner closely with the Director of Research Facilitation and Planning and other stakeholders to help faculty navigate complex research activities and develop practical, risk-informed paths forward..
Advise faculty, administrators, and School leaders on research-related compliance, governance, risk, and operational issues.
Facilitate review of research activities, collaborations, data acquisitions, and emerging technologies requiring institutional assessment.
Support informed decision-making through effective communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
Team Leadership and Staff Development
Lead, manage, and develop the school’s research compliance team.
Directly supervise: Assistant Director, Research Administration and Human Subjects Protection
Assistant Director, Research Compliance, Quality Improvement Program
Assistant Director, Research Compliance, Data Management
Establish priorities, goals, and performance expectations aligned with School objectives.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
Master’s degree, JD, PhD, or equivalent experience required.
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research compliance, research administration, sponsored research, regulatory affairs, human subjects protections, legal affairs, or a related field is required.
Additional Skills, Experience, and Credentials Needed for …