Interdisciplinary Research Program Manager

NOTE: This position is a benefits eligible, ½ time (17.5 hours/week) Term appointment for 1 year with the possibility of continuation depending on funding.
SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Director of the Center for Green Buildings and Cities, the Interdisciplinary Research Program Manager will support the coordination and success of this interdisciplinary initiative, a dedicated team member will organize biweekly meetings co-led by thrust representatives, ensuring regular progress updates, cross-team alignment, and timely course corrections. This individual will serve as a central point of communication, facilitating effective information sharing across the project’s three integrated research thrusts—advanced thermal materials, intelligent building-scale systems, and cooperative urban-scale energy management.
They will also be responsible for drafting internal and external reports that document project milestones, synthesize research outcomes, and communicate progress to key stakeholders. In addition to supporting integration across disciplines, this team member will facilitate collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that practical insights from the field inform the design and scalable deployment of project innovations.
They will also coordinate the preparation and submission of proposals for extramural funding, helping to sustain and expand the project’s research and implementation efforts. This role is essential to advancing the project’s mission of scaling HouseZero®-inspired innovations into interconnected, energy-efficient communities and delivering impactful, real-world solutions to climate challenges.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Facilitate Cross-Team Coordination: Organize and co-lead biweekly meetings with representatives from each of the three research thrusts to ensure progress tracking, cross-team alignment, and timely decision-making.
Serve as a Communication Hub: Maintain clear and consistent information flow among research teams, leadership, and partners.
Documentation & Reporting: Draft comprehensive internal and external reports to document milestones, synthesize outcomes, and communicate progress to stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with industry partners and external stakeholders to integrate practical insights into the research and deployment strategy.
Proposal Development: Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of proposals for extramural funding to sustain and expand the initiative.
Strategic Integration: Ensure cohesion across the three research thrusts, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and impact.
Mission Advancement: Help scale HouseZero®-inspired innovations into energy-efficient, interconnected communities that deliver real-world climate solutions.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This is an in-person role based in Cambridge, MA. The work is mainly performed in an office setting.
Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in engineering, architecture, urban planning, environmental science, energy systems, or a closely related interdisciplinary field.
Experience leading or coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder research initiatives, particularly those involving sustainability, climate resilience, or urban systems.
Proven ability to synthesize interdisciplinary research and produce accessible technical and non-technical reports.
Strong leadership, facilitation, and organizational skills; experience managing collaborative teams and meetings.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and report preparation.
Familiarity with extramural funding processes and experience coordinating successful proposals.
Demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and with external industry partners.
Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
A Doctorate degree is desirable
Subject matter knowledge in one or more of the initiative’s core focus areas: advanced thermal materials, intelligent building-scale systems, or urban-scale energy management.
Experience in interdisciplinary or systems-level research at the nexus of building design, sustainable technologies, and urban development.
Familiarity with real-world implementation of research-based innovations in the built environment.

Employment type
Part-time

Work arrangement
No