Principal Research Scientist

Harvard University

📍Cambridge, MA
Posted May 22, 2026

Job Overview

Position

Principal Research Scientist

Company

Harvard University

Location

Cambridge, MA

Work Type

On-site

Job ID

li-4368371581

Job Description

Company Description
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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description
Job Summary:
Reporting to senior faculty member with an interdisciplinary research group spanning physics and chemistry, manages and directs laboratory administrative personnel and researchers.

This position is with Park Research Group at Harvard University. The Park Group is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Physics, and Quantum Science and Engineering Program at Harvard University. The group focuses on fundamental studies of nanoscale electrical, optical, and plasmonic devices that operate based upon quantum mechanical principles, as well as the development of new nano- and microelectronic tools that can interface with living cells, cell networks, and organisms. The goal of our
quantum optoelectronics
effort is to develop solid-state photonic, optoelectronic, and plasmonic devices that work all the way down to the single quantum level, thus paving the way for all-optical computing and solid-state quantum information processing. In our
quantum sensing/control
effort, we develop ultra-sensitive magnetic, electric, and temperature sensors based on diamond color centers and use them to address various problems spanning condensed matter physics, molecular structural determination, and biological sensing. Please check us out at: https://hongkunparklab.com/

Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Executes the preparation and submission of scientific, financial, and administrative documents and reports including correspondence, reports, grants, and center grant proposals. Responsible for monitoring the progress of research projects and preparing scientific sections of progress reports. In collaboration with the PI and Laboratory Administrator, develops and implements research and financial plans, long-range financial forecasts and strategies for utilizing existing resources and identifying additional opportunities. Develops project milestones and deliverables for research initiatives; prepares scientific portions of reports that summarize key progress and issues on development programs. Develops and presents communication materials to publicize the research program for both members of the research community and the general public; this will include domestic and international travel. Partners with news organizations to publicize research accomplishments. Provides supervision and mentorship for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows performing selected research projects with the PI's research program. Participates in setting constructive agendas for effective and efficient group/team meetings. Assures appropriate follow-up to meetings by communicating action steps to team members and relevant parties outside of the team and tracks progress through completion. Provides advice and assists PI on research-related space and facilities needs. Designated approver for major equipment and laboratory purchases over $1,000. Will consult with Laboratory Administrator who will make payment requests via HCOM and allocates/reallocates expenses in compliance with sponsored budgets and University policies Facilitates the purchase/installation of laboratory equipment and systems. Disseminates and enforces laboratory safety protocols and procedures. Facilitates technologies transfer activities including patent applications and coordination/facilitation of collaborative research. Where appropriate, publishes the research emanating from the research that s/he is involved with. Administrates and scientifically contributes to large project grants involving the PI's research program. Performs other responsibilities as necessitated by the position or as assigned.

Working Conditions:
This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. The position requires 5 days in office per week.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Ph.D. in physical chemistry, physics, or materials science with relevant specialties. A minimum of 5 years of experience in a research or academic environment.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Grants management experience essential. Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to effectively keep teams, projects and deliverables on track and to evaluate plans and methods, revising as appropriate. Commitment to contributing to the progress of science research by facilitating the work of others. Ability to think strategically, set priorities, exert influence, negotiate, collaborate, and deliver results. Supervisory experience with demonstrated leadership ability. Superb written and verbal communication skills. Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Interpersonal skills that promote collaboration and cooperation among teams. Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

  • Appointment End Date: This is a one year term position

  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

  • Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

  • Other Information:

+ All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 058. 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.

Interview Prep

AI-powered insights to help you prepare

Key Skills

Required:
Preferred:

Practice Questions

💡Technical Questions (3)
  • 1.How would you approach designing an experiment to develop a solid-state photonic device that operates reliably at the single quantum level for all-optical computing applications?
  • 2.Can you explain your experience with diamond color centers and how you would apply them to develop ultra-sensitive magnetic or electric sensors for biological systems?
  • 3.Our group works at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and biology. How do you ensure effective integration of principles and techniques across these diverse disciplines in your research?
🎯Behavioral Questions (3)
  • 1.Tell me about a time you had to develop and implement a long-range financial forecast and strategy for a research program with limited resources.
  • 2.Describe your experience mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. How do you handle a situation where a mentee is struggling to meet project milestones?
  • 3.Give an example of a time you publicized a significant research accomplishment to both the scientific community and the general public.
🧩Situational Questions (2)
  • 1.You are managing multiple research projects, and you realize that the progress report for a major center grant is due next week, but the scientific data from the quantum sensing team is incomplete. How do you handle this?
  • 2.A graduate student in your group wants to pursue a novel experiment interfacing microelectronic tools with living cells, but it falls outside the current financial plan and lab milestones. How would you address this?

Resume Keywords

Make sure these keywords appear on your resume

quantum optoelectronicsquantum sensingdiamond color centersnanoscale devicesgrant writingfinancial forecastingmentorshipproject managementscientific communicationinterdisciplinary research

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