Administrative Coordinator at Harvard University — Boston, MA

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Administrative Coordinator to support the operational, administrative, and communication needs of the laboratory of Professor David Sinclair in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Boston.

The Sinclair lab is a world-renowned research group focused on the biology of aging, including genetic and small molecule approaches to understand and improve healthspan. The lab conducts interdisciplinary research spanning aging, cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolism, and regenerative biology.

This position plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of a large, fast-paced academic research environment. The Administrative Coordinator will work closely with lab members and departmental administrative teams to support operational workflows, compliance processes, scheduling coordination, and internal communications.

The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a complex academic environment while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

General Administrative & Operational Support

• Provide administrative coordination support for lab operations and day-to-day activities.
• Assist with scheduling internal meetings, seminars, and lab-wide events.
• Maintain shared calendars, deadlines, and internal scheduling systems.
• Support coordination of lab logistics including room bookings, event setup, and internal communications.

Financial & Administrative Processing

• Process and track expense reimbursements, receipts, and purchasing documentation.
• Support reconciliation of lab purchasing activities in coordination with departmental administrative offices.
• Assist with travel arrangements and related administrative documentation as needed.

Communication & Documentation

• Draft, edit, and format internal and external communications as requested.
• Assist with preparation of presentations, reports, and routine administrative documents.
• Maintain organized records of lab documentation and administrative files.

Lab Operations Coordination

• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding logistics for new and departing lab members in collaboration with departmental HR and lab operations staff.
• Serve as a point of contact for administrative inquiries and direct requests to appropriate resources.
• Support coordination between lab members and departmental offices (Genetics, HMS administrative units, and related programs).

Compliance & Institutional Coordination

• Support administrative compliance processes including documentation tracking and required submissions.
• Assist with coordination of institutional requirements (e.g., training documentation, system updates, and compliance workflows).
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive administrative and personnel-related information.

Website & Internal Information Support

• Assist with updates to lab website content including publications, announcements, and general information updates.
• Help maintain internal distribution lists and communication channels.

General Support

• Provide flexible administrative support for evolving lab needs in a dynamic research environment.
• Perform additional administrative duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Three or more years of related experience. Education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative within defined responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Google Calendar and basic administrative systems.
• Use of AI to organize work and make documents for PI.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced academic environment with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across teams.
• Familiarity with Claude and ChatGPT.
• Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

Salary Grade and Ranges

Benefits

• 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