Research Assistant II Non-Lab (Research Project and Data Assistant) | Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Military Veterans

Job Summary The Healthcare Quality and Outcomes Lab (HqO) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management is a research center focused on producing actionable evidence to promote quality, equity, and resilience across health care delivery systems. HqO brings together a multidisciplinary team of physicians, health policy researchers, health economists, biostatisticians, and data science experts across the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals to evaluate and inform national and international health reform efforts. HqO faculty members seek an energetic and organized individual to assist with a portfolio of multidisciplinary health policy and health services research projects. Our research team uses Medicare and other large national claims datasets to evaluate the effectiveness and unintended consequences of US health reform. Project topics include, but are not limited to: Variations in cost, quality, and outcomes for surgical, emergency, hospital, and cancer care Quality of care for socially vulnerable patient populations, including low-income Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries Healthcare quality, outcomes, and disparities among older people with HIV Access, quality, and efficiency in the Veterans Health Administration Impact of the innovative alternative payment models (e.g., Accountable Care Organizations and bundled payment Initiatives) on healthcare value and equity for older adults Changing market dynamics of the growing Medicare Advantage program, including restrictiveness and accessibility of healthcare provider networks Climate change and health system resilience This is an ideal position for a candidate seeking to gain research experience prior to pursuing further graduate education, including medical school or PhD programs. In addition to the research aims described above, a key aspect of the HqO mission is to train the next generation of health policy and health system leaders. To this end, HqO faculty are enthusiastic about providing opportunities for mentorship and professional growth that align with the successful candidate's long-term goals. Learn more about the Department of Health Policy and Management here: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/health-policy-and-management/ Position Description The successful candidate will be able to work with faculty and research team members to accomplish statistical programming, data compilation, and other research related duties. These duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to, the following: Statistical programming on large data sets (For example: analyzing data sets from databases with millions of members or health insurance claims) Analysis and validation of empirical results Participating in manuscript preparation and scientific presentations, with opportunities for co-authorship Performing literature reviews Practicing data safety and ensuring compliance with data use agreements Compiling and cleaning data sources; assessing data quality; routine data maintenance Producing charts and tables for manuscripts and presentations Analyzing pilot data to support the start up of new projects Other duties as assigned PLEASE NOTE: This position is a one year term appointment with the possibility of extension. PLEASE NOTE: Short-listed finalists will be asked to complete a data analysis task and summarize findings in a Power Point slide deck as part of the selection process. Basic Qualifications 2+ years of related work experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered Additional Qualifications and Skills The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred: Bachelor's Degree in health sciences, social sciences, or statistics Experience with statistical analysis and data science (running and interpreting regressions, data visualization) Experience working with health care-related topics such as health policy or health services research or coursework Demonstrated knowledge of health services research Experience in quantitative research methods and analysis Experience with SAS, Stata, or R Experience with SQL Experience with Python programming and machine learning is a plus Experience with geospatial analysis via software such as ArcGIS is a plus Experience with Microsoft software applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) Experience with EndNote, Mendeley and/or other reference managers Additional Information 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! ---------- 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. ---------- 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. Benefits We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include: Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers. Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date. Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more. Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service. Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools. Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions. Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning. Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more. Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston. Work Format Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination. Learn more about the School?s mission, objectives, and core values , our Principles of Citizenship , and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.