SAS Programmer II at Harvard University – Boston, Massachusetts

002578SR
School/Unit Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research
Job Function Information Technology
Location Boston
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 056
FLSA Status Exempt
Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Term Appointment Yes

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 Summary:

The Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR), an organization within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is responsible for the design, monitoring and statistical analysis of clinical trials and observational studies for several major national and international NIH-funded clinical research networks. CBAR employs over 60 statisticians and epidemiologists including Harvard faculty, research scientists, and staff. Investigators within CBAR have provided statistical leadership and support for clinical research networks for thirty-five years. Currently this includes infectious disease networks such as: Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections (ACTG) and the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network (IMPAACT). Results from studies have helped to establish the paradigm for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases, and contributed to international treatment and prevention guidelines.

This position is located in the Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR) within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. Programmers are valued contributors to the strategic and research goals of the organization and enjoy an environment of learning and growth. CBAR features a well-defined promotional track and support system for staff professional development.

CBAR has a hybrid work environment which includes a combination of on-campus/in-person work and remote work.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Center for Biostatistics for AIDS Research (CBAR) is actively recruiting a SAS Programmer II. A SAS Programmer II works as an individual contributor to improve programs and processes that enhance CBAR's operational efficiency. They may also conceptualize and implement tools and techniques that enhance statistical programming across networks by collaborating with researchers.

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and enhance universal SAS, R and BASH programs and shell scripts that:
  • Obtain data from Data Management Centers
  • Prepare datasets for subsequent statistical analysis
  • Create finalized Tables, Listings, and Figures (TLFs) for statistical reports
  • Produce professional, well-designed graphics
• Prototype and refine large-scale programs that facilitate data manipulation and improve the user experience in organizing data for analysis
• Write advanced Linux utilities and related guidance documents for researchers
• Extensively test, validate, and document the efficacy of SAS, R, and Linux programs to ensure they meet CDISC and CBAR requirements
• Produce and enhance programs that maintain and utilize metadata repositories - including CDISC, MedDRA, WHOdrug
• Partner closely with senior management to learn and apply AI technologies, assisting in the creation and deployment of systems that optimize CBAR processes
• Act as a subject matter expert to share knowledge with statisticians, epidemiologists, and other programmers. This includes:
  • Engage with researchers via various communication channels to troubleshoot unique, complex programming problems and general programming support
  • Educate SAS and R users on advanced data manipulation, programming techniques, and best practices
  • Collaborate with high-level users to implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Assist with the transition to the CDISC system, when applicable
  • Participate in relevant CBAR committees with internal researchers, clinicians, and data managers to drive CBAR's research forward
  • Mentor and/or supervise programming personnel to increase their skills and technical acumen
  • Increase technical knowledge by attending local and national workshops or conferences
  • Improve professional competencies by upskilling research staff through statistical programming presentations, seminars, and external events
  • Contribute to the programmer hiring process as an interviewer
• Other duties as assigned

Please attach the following required documents when applying: 1) Resume, 2) Cover letter, 3) Sample of SAS code (solely created by the applicant) and 4) Names and email addresses for three (3) Professional references.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term date of November 30, 2027 with a strong likelihood of extension.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years postsecondary experience required, or combination of education and/or relevant work experience
• Experience in SAS programming required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in a quantitative or scientific field such as mathematics or computer science
• Experience programming in SAS, R, Linux or other high-level programming languages
• Experience with/exposure to CDISC
• Experience in data cleaning
• Related experience in a clinical trials setting
• Experience following applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as project-specific work instructions/SOPs that may apply
• Experience working independently to assess needs, identify solutions, create specifications for that solution, and program finalized specializations
• Strong foundational programming skills with a strong desire to learn and implement emerging AI technologies

• Appointment End Date: November 30, 2027 with the possibility for extension
• 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, Education

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 120 day orientation and review period.

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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 056. 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.