Research Assistant II

Overview

Harvard University offers a vibrant community that advances its world-changing mission through innovation and collaboration. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School? HMS aims to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being through excellence in teaching, discovery, service, and leadership. You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working with world-renowned faculty and a community committed to improving human health.

The Department of Health Care Policy (HCP) is a dynamic, data-driven research environment that includes economists, statisticians, physicians, and health services researchers focused on improving health and health care delivery through policy research and education. Under the direction of Professor Haiden Huskamp, the Research Assistant will help coordinate the daily operations of research projects in health policy, including topics related to mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and prescription drugs.

Current projects focus on telemedicine in mental health and addiction care; factors influencing low utilization of medications for alcohol and opioid use disorders; and the impacts of changes in provider payment policies on access to care, quality, and spending.

The primary task is to use statistical software to work with large data sets (including insurance claims data), create and manage data files, and conduct statistical analyses under supervision. The Research Assistant is expected to have strong critical thinking and writing skills to assist in drafting manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals. The role includes participating in team meetings and communicating methods and analyses with faculty and team members, and conducting literature reviews.

This position is ideal for candidates interested in health policy with plans for future doctoral studies.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter to help us understand your qualifications and background.

Basic Qualifications

• One or more years of related research experience or relevant coursework.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as R, SAS, and/or STATA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Background in statistical programming (R, SAS, or STATA) and a basic understanding of econometrics or statistics is encouraged.
• BA or BS in economics, statistics, public policy, political science, or related field, with quantitative coursework in a social science field.
• Interest, experience, or background in health policy research.
• Proficiency with common software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and willingness to learn other statistical or computer software as needed.
• Independent judgement, patience, and excellent communication skills for varied/complex tasks.
• Strong organization and attention to detail; ability to work in a team.

• Term:
  This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with possible extension contingent on performance and funding.
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hrs per week, Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Visa Sponsorship:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening:
  Identity, Criminal
• Other Information:
  Interviews and onboarding are currently conducted remotely and virtually.
• Staying Informed:
  Due to high application volume, status updates may be limited; track your status through the Careers@Harvard portal.

This position may be performed at a non-Harvard location. Work location will be set by the department. If working remotely outside Massachusetts, the employee must comply with the University’s policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Salary grade is 053; please refer to Harvard’s Salary Ranges for the corresponding range.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and wellbeing, including:

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave
• Medical, dental,…