Research Assistant III Non-Lab at Harvard University – Boston, Massachusetts

002598SR
School/Unit Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department Epidemiology
Job Function Research
Location Boston
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 054
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
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 Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant III Non-Lab (RA III) to join a collaborative cancer epidemiology research group. This role offers the opportunity to contribute substantively to high-impact research on cancer etiology, progression and survival, and survivorship using large-scale epidemiologic datasets. Our research leverages data from major longitudinal studies, including the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-professionals/) and the IRONMAN Registry (https://ironmanregistry.org/), with a strong focus on prostate cancer.

The RA III will be a core member of the research team, working closely with faculty, biostatisticians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other research assistants to support cancer epidemiology research, data analyses, and cancer programmatic activities. Our group collaborates closely with researchers at the Harvard Cancer Center as well as international researchers through collaborations. The RA III will have the opportunity to work closely with the entire team and support the overall conduct and mission of the cancer epidemiology program.

This position is ideal for individuals seeking advanced research experience in epidemiology and population health, particularly in a cancer setting, and considering future doctoral training. The role offers close mentorship, opportunities for analytic leadership, and regular co-authorship on scientific publications within a rigorous and supportive academic environment. We seek candidates who are curious, detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to engage deeply in epidemiologic research in a progressive, inclusive, and top-tier academic setting.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant III will contribute to the Cancer Epidemiology team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This role will provide them with the opportunity to grow in epidemiology research, programming and statistical analysis, and in project management. The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Working closely with faculty and the research team on literature searches, grant writing, and manuscript writing, with the opportunity to be an author on published papers and conference abstracts including the opportunity to lead specific research projects
• Organizing agendas for and participate in regular meetings with our research team, collaborators, students, and colleagues
• Working closely with the PI and other team members to perform statistical analyses using R for manuscripts and grants, create data visualizations (tables, graphs, figures, etc.), and assist in the writing of scientific results
• Assisting with data cleaning and management of databases within the cancer epidemiology cohort studies, specifically with data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study
• Overseeing day to day research activities of other research projects, and provide regular updates and feedback to the study team
• Working in partnership with the PI to maintain and update the Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention website and social media
• Assisting in organizing and the execution of academic and research events and programs at Harvard Chan School and across the Harvard Cancer Center.
• Maintaining and updating the team’s project management systems (Dropbox and Github repositories)

The position may perform other duties related to our cancer epidemiology projects as needed by the PI and/or Project Manager (including planning large events, managing the team’s finances, and interviewing potential new team members).

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

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of related research experience is required – a combination of education and practical experience may be considered; coursework using and/or experience with R for statistical programming required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree; Master’s level training in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or related fields is a strong plus
• Experience with MS Office
• Interest in cancer research, molecular biology, public health, medicine, and/or biological sciences strongly preferred
• Excellent analytical and logical reasoning skills
• Proactive and independent but also works well in a team
• The ideal applicant will have strong attention to detail and experience multitasking/managing multiple priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Appointment End Date: One year from 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

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 054. 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.