Research Assistant II Non-Lab

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Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Summary:

The mission of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) is to understand and intervene on the social determinants of health and health equity across the life-course.

The broad goal of Dr. Denckla’s research program is to understand the impact of adversity on human potential and well-being, as well as the mechanisms that appear to be protective. She has a particular focus on bereavement across the lifespan, complemented by a broad program of research in trauma and adversity. Dr. Denckla uses her training in clinical psychology and epidemiology to investigate: 1) biopsychosocial associations with response to trauma and bereavement; 2) how genes influence risk for posttraumatic psychopathology; and 3) structural and cultural determinants of well-being and mental health in national and global cohorts.

Dr. Christy A. Denckla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, an Associate Member at the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and a Member of the Faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. More information can be found at https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/profile/christy-denckla/.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Research Support. Carries out independently, under supervision, and in collaboration, designated research tasks and projects, making use of selected methodologies (moderation and mediation, causal inference), library research (Pubmed searches, systemic review methods), and statistical analysis (data visualization, descriptive analyses, time series analyses, latent modelling, multilevel modelling);
• Project Support. Assists with project management tasks (e.g. website management, newsletter writing,  email listserv management, social media management, IT support, etc.)
• Data Safety. Regularly monitors data safety protocols for adherence to best practices in the responsible conduct of research;
• Data Cleaning and Management. Engages both independently and under supervision in data management and data cleaning and organization in large (>N~10,000) datasets
• Responsible Conduct of Research. Engages in best practices for data management and reproducible research including use of commented code and R Markdown;
• Data/Statistical Analysis. Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms including the MS suite of software, GitHub, R, and Python. Works under supervision and independently to perform basic (descriptive analyses), moderately advanced statistical analyses (inferential analysis (e.g. regression, correlation, multilevel modelling, structural equation modelling), and advanced analyses (machine learning). Attends trainings and skill development workshops as necessary to acquire new statistical skills.
• Reporting Results. Submits periodic reports of project status to supervisor, regularly suggests additional tests or modifications in current procedures;
• Manuscript Support. Collates, organizes, and/or drafts material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, progress reports, articles or other documents for publication and/or presentation including reference management, drafting manuscript sections, and managing publication submission;
• Other Responsibilities. Performs other duties as assigned. Provides back-up support to other Research Assistants and team members. 

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term date of July 1, 2027, with a  possibility of extension.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience with the R (or related software)

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree, preferably in data science, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field
• Experience with GitHub, UNIX, and/or Python (or related)
• Strong attention to detail; strong organizational, time management, and verbal and written communication skills

• Appointment End Date: July 1, 2027
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country! 

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions. 

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings. 

• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers. 

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

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 053. 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.