Data Safety Reviewer, Harvard Kennedy School, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted April 16, 2026

Description

The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is launching an initiative to build the best-in-class research enablement environment for public policy. Over the next two years, the School will pilot and pressure test strategies and solutions addressing the increasing complexity of the research and research compliance environment. This position will directly support this work.

As a member of the Research Computing and Data Services (RCDS) team in Library and Research Services (LRS) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and reporting to the Director of Research Computing and Data Services, the Data Safety Reviewer will be primarily charged with managing the Data Safety process and queue for the Harvard Kennedy School. You will review and guide Principal Investigators and researchers through the Data Safety research compliance process, advising on research data management best practices that comply with Harvard Research Data Security Policy and the Harvard IT Enterprise Policy while referring researchers to IT, legal, or other experts if ethical, security, policy, and legal considerations arise in planning for data collection, processing, and dissemination. You will work closely with the Research Data Steward, Director of Research Computing and Data Services, and the HKS Chief Research Data and Privacy Officer to make substantive process and service improvements across the Data Safety process, management of regulated and contractual data, and other key aspects impacting HKS researchers managing sensitive data.

We seek candidates who have:

An ability to work in a distributed organization that often requires referring services to researchers related to research data management.
An ability to partner with research, business, legal, and technical subject matter experts when necessary to support researchers while managing risks appropriately.
The willingness and proven ability to proactively take responsibility and action to resolve cross functional issues across organizational boundaries.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and/or team environment.
A commitment to belonging, community, and connection.

Within LRS, we value continually learning. You will be expected to continually pursue new areas for learning related to this role and use newly gained skills and knowledge on the job. You will also encourage and support this learning for other members of LRS.

HKS, including LRS, is committed to building a welcoming and supportive community of staff, faculty, and students. This position will work toward building such a community and foster an environment in LRS and in the community we serve that values and prioritizes belonging, community, and connection.

Responsibilities

As Data Safety Reviewer, you will:

Serve as a Primary Data Safety Reviewer for HKS: Data Management Plans are a required approval process (Data Safety) for all research data deemed sensitive and often require coordination and communication with IRB, DUA Negotiating Offices, the HKS School Security Officer and HKS IT team, and the HKS Research Administration Office. Responsible for making a data security level (DSL) determination for Sensitive Data, providing Researchers with information about methods to bring a Data Management Plan into compliance with the assigned DSL(s).
Administer high quality, user-centered consultation with faculty, students, fellows, and research staff pursuing research that requires a data management plan and/or Data Safety review. Work closely with the Manager of Research and Data Services on making improvements and gaining efficiencies in the Data Safety process and developing processes and services to support FAIR practices at HKS.
Maintain and continuously develop expertise in data management and treatment to provide faculty, students, and staff with specialized professional support while building trust and rapport across these communities. Employ creativity and innovative approaches to data management to facilitate and support the research of HKS without compromising the security and protection of sensitive research data.
Establish and nurture deep knowledge of expertise, services, and resources available through HKS and Harvard University to support research data management and research computing. Share this knowledge across LRS to support an efficient referral system of all LRS staff working with faculty, staff, students, and fellows.
Work closely with the members of the RCDS team to develop processes and services such as documenting challenges, resolving issues, and gaining efficiencies in the Data Safety process
Work collaboratively on cross-functional teams to move LRS portfolios, projects, and initiatives forward.
Work actively and collaboratively across LRS, HKS, and the University to improve research and data services/resources for the HKS community.
Under the direction of the Director of Research and Data Services, take on new challenges, projects, and duties as necessary to support the HKS mission.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree in information science, library science, information management, or equivalent degree and a minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in data management, data stewardship, or data governance.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

If you meet some, but not all of the following, you are encouraged to apply; we value
employees with a willingness to learn.

Customer services skills or relevant client relationship management skills
Skills in copyright, legal and ethical matters related to research data
Expertise in research data management (privacy, security, description, archiving, dissemination)Good knowledge of the research environment
Strong digital literacy skills and the ability to identify and map security requirements of a dataset to appropriately secured research computing tools
Experience in subject areas that coincide with Harvard Kennedy School curriculum and research
Experience in higher education research compliance

Hours and Compensation

Appointment End Date: This position is funded as part of the school’s vision and strategy process and is a fully benefits-eligible two-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 is a hybrid position and is expected to work on campus in Cambridge, MA a minimum of 3 days/week.

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.

How to Apply

Visit the following address to see the full listing and apply: https://careers.harvard.edu/job/data-safety-reviewer-in-cambridge-ma-united-states-jid-1156