About the job
The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a premier research enablement environment for public policy. In the coming two years, the School will pilot innovative strategies and solutions to address the growing complexities of research and compliance. This role is essential to support these initiatives.
As a vital member of the Research Computing and Data Services (RCDS) team within Library and Research Services (LRS) at the Harvard Kennedy School, and reporting directly to the Director of Research Computing and Data Services, the Data Safety Reviewer will oversee the Data Safety process and queue. You will provide guidance to Principal Investigators and researchers through the Data Safety research compliance process, advising on best practices for research data management in alignment with the Harvard Research Data Security Policy and Harvard IT Enterprise Policy. You will also collaborate with IT, legal, and other experts as needed, particularly when ethical, security, policy, or legal considerations arise during data collection, processing, and dissemination. Close collaboration with the Research Data Steward, Director of Research Computing and Data Services, and the HKS Chief Research Data and Privacy Officer will be essential to effect meaningful improvements in the Data Safety process, management of regulated and contractual data, and other crucial areas impacting HKS researchers handling sensitive data.
We are looking for candidates who possess:
- A capability to navigate a distributed organization, often requiring referrals to services related to research data management.
- An aptitude for partnering with research, business, legal, and technical subject matter experts to support researchers while appropriately managing risks.
- A proactive attitude and proven ability to take initiative in resolving cross-functional issues across organizational boundaries.
- A demonstrated proficiency in collaborating effectively within a team environment.
- A strong commitment to fostering belonging, community, and connection.
At LRS, we embrace a culture of continuous learning. You will be encouraged to pursue new learning opportunities relevant to this role and share your knowledge with others in LRS.
HKS, including LRS, is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming and supportive community among staff, faculty, and students. This role will contribute to building such a community and nurturing an environment that prioritizes belonging, community, and connection.

