Research Assistant II Non-Lab (Research Assistant)

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Healthcare Quality and Outcomes Lab (HQO) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking a motivated research assistant to support health policy and health services research projects.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to analyze national datasets and contribute to manuscripts. This role offers exposure to grant work, data preparation, statistical programming, and policy brief writing, with mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of related work experience; a mix of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong writing background and experience with health policy or health services research.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data science tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare scientific manuscripts and presentations with potential for co-authorship.
• Conduct literature reviews and manage references.
• Assist with grant-writing and research proposals.
• Coordinate project communications and meetings.
• Produce charts and tables for manuscripts and presentations.
• Write policy briefs, op-eds, and other products.
• Clean and manage data sources; perform statistical analysis.
• Maintain HQO website updates.

Skills

Research skills

Writing ability

Data analysis

Quantitative methods

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor's Degree in health sciences, social sciences, or statistics

Tools

EndNote/Mendeley

MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)

SAS/Stata/R

Job description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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 Description

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/

Job‑Specific Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be able to work with faculty and research team members on a wide range of project‑related tasks. These duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations, with opportunities for co‑authorship
• Performing literature reviews and managing references
• Assistance with grant‑writing and research proposals
• Coordination of project communications; research meeting coordination and documentation
• Producing charts and tables for manuscripts and presentations
• Writing policy briefs, op‑eds, press releases, and other products
• Compiling and cleaning data sources
• Statistical programming and analysis
• Website maintenance (e.g., periodically updating HQO website to feature new publications)
• Other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: Short‑listed finalists will be asked to write an abstract based on a selected article and create a few Power Point slides as part of the selection process.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of related work experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in health sciences, social sciences, or statistics
• Demonstrated knowledge of health policy and health services research
• Experience working with healthcare‑related topics such as health policy or health services research or coursework
• A strong writing background
• Experience with Endnote, Mendeley, and/or other reference management software
• Experience with statistical analysis and data science (running and interpreting regressions, data visualization)
• Experience in quantitative research methods and analysis
• Experience with Microsoft software applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Experience with SAS, Stata, or R is a plus
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Outstanding communication skills

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: One year from the date of hire
• 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

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

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.