Research Assistant III Non-Lab (Research Project and Data Assistant)

IMDiversity; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 63,132 - 99,537; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance starting day one

Retirement plans with university match

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Research Assistant III to support data management and field coordination for the HAALSA study and related sub‑studies. The role emphasizes processing and organizing data, protocol training, and ensuring ethical standards across projects.

The position involves preparing datasets and codebooks for public release, scoring cognitive tests, collaborating with international partners, and contributing to scientific analyses as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of related experience or a combination of education and experience
• Experience with statistical software such as Stata, R, or SAS is strongly preferred
• Experience preparing Institutional Review Board ethics protocols
• Experience managing or building capacity for research projects

Responsibilities

• Process, organize, summarize, and analyze data (e.g., using Stata, R, or SAS).
• Track fieldwork progress, ensuring benchmarks and timelines are met.
• Assist with the setup and maintenance of logistical aspects of the projects, including study protocol training, document management, and data collection systems.
• Support training of the field‑based study team and prepare training materials.
• Follow and help implement SOP documents to ensure protocol adherence.
• Standardize and streamline data collection and reporting, ensuring quality and ethical standards.
• Prepare HAALSA and HAALSA‑HCAP datasets and codebooks for public release.
• Score neuropsychological tests, evaluate reliability, and create summary measures.
• Track translation processes for study surveys and tools.
• Oversee licensing requests for cognitive assessment tools.
• Coordinate remote dementia diagnostic consensus meetings.
• Prepare slides and presentations.
• Draft, edit, and organize materials for research papers, manuscripts, progress reports, and articles, with opportunities for co‑authorship.
• Communicate with affiliated research personnel at partner institutions, including the South African field team.
• Track study progress and monitor participant recruitment and compliance with South African counterparts.
• Collaborate with HAALSI project investigators and the study team on scientific analyses.
• Learn and apply new research methods or software as project needs evolve.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Note: The position ends May 31, 2027.
• Note: Travel to South Africa up to twice a year may be required.

Skills

Stata

R

SAS

Education

Master’s degree in global public health, biostatistics, epidemiology, psychology, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

Word

Outlook

SharePoint

OneDrive

Dropbox

Job description

Research Assistant III Non-Lab (Research Project and Data Assistant) – Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $63,132 - $99,537
Category: Laboratory and Research
Military

Job Summary

The Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS) seeks a full‑time Research Assistant to support its NIH‑funded study, Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal Studies in South Africa (HAALSA). The role focuses on data management, research procedures, and coordination of field activities for both the HAALSA cohort and the HAALSA‑HCAP sub‑study, which examines aging, cognition, and health in South Africa.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Process, organize, summarize, and analyze data (e.g., using Stata, R, or SAS).
• Track fieldwork progress, ensuring benchmarks and timelines are met.
• Assist with the setup and maintenance of logistical aspects of the projects, including study protocol training, document management, and data collection systems.
• Support training of the field‑based study team and prepare training materials.
• Follow and help implement SOP documents to ensure protocol adherence.
• Standardize and streamline data collection and reporting, ensuring quality and ethical standards.
• Prepare HAALSA and HAALSA‑HCAP datasets and codebooks for public release.
• Score neuropsychological tests, evaluate reliability, and create summary measures.
• Track translation processes for study surveys and tools.
• Oversee licensing requests for cognitive assessment tools.
• Coordinate remote dementia diagnostic consensus meetings.
• Prepare slides and presentations.
• Draft, edit, and organize materials for research papers, manuscripts, progress reports, and articles, with opportunities for co‑authorship.
• Communicate with affiliated research personnel at partner institutions, including the South African field team.
• Track study progress and monitor participant recruitment and compliance with South African counterparts.
• Collaborate with HAALSI project investigators and the study team on scientific analyses.
• Learn and apply new research methods or software as project needs evolve.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Note: The position has a term appointment ending May 31, 2027.
• Note: Candidates may be required to take a data‑skills assessment and submit a writing sample; travel to South Africa up to twice a year may be required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience that meets the requirements.
• Experience with statistical software such as Stata (strongly preferred), R, or SAS.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in global public health, biostatistics, epidemiology, psychology, or a related field (strongly preferred).
• Prior experience with clinical trials, observational studies, or NIH studies.
• Experience preparing Institutional Review Board ethics protocols.
• Experience managing or building capacity for research projects.
• Experience working with complex longitudinal datasets such as HRS, SHARE, or related international sister studies.
• Demonstrable interest in aging, learning, memory, or cognitive neuroscience research.
• Experience with cognitive testing.
• International work or travel experience.
• Demonstrated experience with research project management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Culturally sensitive interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with participants.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Experience working independently and within a team, taking initiative.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Work Format Details

The position may be performed at a non‑Harvard location; the work schedule and location will be set by the department. Employees may work from a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with our policy, and certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.

Salary Grade and Ranges

Salary Grade 054. Harvard Salary Ranges provide the detailed salary scale.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Well‑being and mental‑health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and encourage diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The university prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to such characteristics.