Administrative Assistant II (Remote) Corbett-Helaire Lab

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The Corbett-Helaire Lab at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking an Administrative Assistant II to support the day-to-day operations of a dynamic and collaborative research group. The labs work focuses on viral immunology vaccine development and pandemic preparedness advancing research at the intersection of basic science and global public health. More information about the lab can be found on their website.

About the role

This position is well suited for someone early in their career who is highly organized proactive and eager to grow within an academic research environment. The Administrative Assistant II will play a critical role in supporting the lab by managing administrative workflows coordinating schedules and helping ensure that lab operations run smoothly so researchers can remain focused on science.

The lab operates with a hands-off non-micromanaging management style that emphasizes trust autonomy and clear communication. Weekly alignment typically takes place at the start of the week with flexibility as priorities shift. Workloads may fluctuate over time ranging from high-volume email and scheduling periods to more routine administrative tasks. The role involves frequent ad hoc coordination with multiple researchers and stakeholders across the lab and broader academic community.

This is a remote position with a preferred start date in mid-May to early June 2026 strongly preferred.

What we provide

• Mentorship and training in academic and scientific administration

• Exposure to the HHMI and Harvard administrative systems and processes

• Opportunities to support conferences and scientific events including administrative coordination alongside the PI when applicable

• Experience coordinating within a large interdisciplinary academic environment

• A collaborative supportive lab culture that values organization initiative and reliability

What youll do

• Manage a high-volume inbox and track daily administrative tasks

• Coordinate calendars and schedule meetings with internal and external collaborators

• Handle document preparation organization and transfer

• Maintain well-organized spreadsheets and administrative records

• Respond to general lab inquiries from PhD students and research staff

• Coordinate travel arrangements and process reimbursements while navigating HHMI and Harvard systems

• Assist with administrative support for conferences and events as needed

• Adapt to shifting priorities and workload peaks particularly during travel-heavy periods

• Independently manage routine responsibilities escalating issues only when necessary

What you bring

• An Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.

• Four or more years of increasingly responsible administrative experience; experience in a research or academic environment is preferred

• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced high-volume scientific environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft word Excel and PowerPoint including creating clear visuals and presentations

• Comfort using structured visual organization systems (e.g. color-coded spreadsheets calendars and tracking tools)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• A proactive service-oriented mindset with the ability to anticipate needs

• Sound judgment discretion and the ability to balance multiple stakeholders

• Willingness to learn new tools and systems; experience using AI tools for graphics or presentations is a plus

Physical Requirements:

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission including competitive pay exceptional health benefits retirement plans time off and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMIs salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidates education previous experiences knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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