Contingent Workforce

Harvard University welcomes individuals to contribute their skills and talents in a variety of ways – including in temporary (or contingent) roles. These positions are a great way to gain experience, network across the University, and support Harvard's world-changing mission in various capacities.

Local Harvard schools and units are responsible for initiating the hiring process for these types of roles, as well as onboarding and training.

Temporary Employment at Harvard

Why Consider a Temporary Role at Harvard?

  • Flexibility: You need or want flexibility in your schedule.
  • Career Exploration: You’re looking to explore a new career path.
  • Project-Based Work: You want to take on short-term, project-focused roles.
  • Networking Opportunities: You want to build connections within Harvard’s vibrant community.

Who Can Apply?

Contingent opportunities are open to all individuals with varying skills and backgrounds. These positions are available at various levels and across multiple disciplines, including:

  • Administrative, clerical, and operations roles
  • IT, lab/science, and research positions
  • Creative and communications positions
  • Project and program management positions
  • And much more!

If you're a former Harvard employee or retiree, contingent work can also be a great way to stay engaged with the University and access short-term opportunities.

How to Apply?

There are several types of temporary employment opportunities available at Harvard University:

  • Internships and practicums
  • Harvard temps and LHTs (on Harvard payroll)
  • Temporary roles that are filled with pre-identified individuals and then payrolled via our managed service program (MSP)
  • Temporary (contingent) roles that are recruited via staffing agencies and then hired via our MSP

Temporary roles that are filled with pre-identified individuals and then payrolled externally, or by individuals recruited by external staffing agencies, are hired via Harvard’s vendor-neutral managed service provider Yoh. They manage a network of external suppliers (staffing agencies) that provide contingent talent to Harvard. Please contact Yoh directly with any related inquiries and information on contingent hiring.

Please note: We do not currently post for internship, practicum, or Harvard payrolled temp or LHT (less than half-time) positions in a centralized location/system. These types of positions will be posted on the direct websites or social media pages for the Harvard school or department that may be hiring. Interested candidates are encouraged to explore such pages for opportunities. Harvard also offers several Pathway Programs that provide internships.

Contingent Workforce - Employees, Managers, Suppliers

If you are a Contingent Employee

As a contingent worker on assignment at Harvard, you are warmly welcomed to our community – whether you are here for a few days or a few months. We appreciate the work you’ll do to advance Harvard’s world-changing mission! If you are a newly hired contingent worker, please visit our employee website, HARVie page for contingent employees (HarvardKey required) for information on onboarding, policies, your Harvard ID, and much more.

If you are a Supplier

If your agency is interested in providing contingent talent to Harvard, please contact the Yoh Program Management Office to discuss your firm’s capabilities and learn about the benefits of participating in this program. Please do not contact Harvard hiring managers directly.

If you are a Harvard Hiring Manager or Approver

Harvard hiring managers interested in hiring a contingent worker should contact their local HR Office for further assistance. They will provide guidance on the appropriate hiring mechanism and help you through next steps. Further information can be found on the HARVie contingent workforce page (HarvardKey required). 

If you are a Harvard Financial or Reporting Manager

Please visit the HARVie contingent workforce page (HarvardKey required) for further information and resources.

Need support?

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Talent Acquisition and Outreach team or the Yoh Program Management Office (PMO) at Harvard@yoh.com.