Research Assistant II Non-lab

Company 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 Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS) is a university-wide initiative dedicated to interdisciplinary research focused primarily on the quantitative social science of population change, socioeconomic development, and public health. Our goal is to produce population-based evidence that will better inform policies needed to create healthy and resilient societies.

The HCPDS is seeking a full-time, experienced Research Assistant (RA) to support our field-based activities for its NIH-funded study, Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal Studies in South Africa (HAALSA). HAALSA began as a community-based longitudinal cohort study nested within the heath and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS) in Agincourt, South Africa. The goal of this research project is to explore aging in South Africa, with focal areas in cognitive health, cardiometabolic disease, HIV and HIV treatment, public policies, social determinants of health, and health inequalities. Research focuses on exploring the interrelationships between: Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias; physical and cognitive functioning; lifestyle risk factors; household income & expenditure; depression and mental health; social networks and family composition; HIV infection; and cardiometabolic disease.

The next phase of the HAALSA includes launching a nationally representative survey in South Africa as well as the continuation of the community cohort study. The community and national surveys each include a sub-study with in-depth focus on cognition and dementia. The studies are designed to be aligned with the international Health and Retirement (HRS) sister studies, and the HRS Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP), while also addressing research questions specific to aging in the South African context. HAALSA is led by Dr. Lisa Berkman at HCPDS and Dr. Thomas Gaziano at Brigham and Women's Hospital, plus a team of collaborators at the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Cape town in South Africa, as well as other institutions in South Africa and the US.

The RA will support the needs of the study staff and investigators across projects related to research implementation, logistics, organization, and dissemination. The position will require a high level of attention to detail and ability to multi-task and prioritize. The role will primarily support HAALSI-related activities, with additional data compliance and research support responsibilities for the entire HCPDS (see specific responsibilities section).

This is a full-time term appointment starting early summer 2026 through May 31, 2027 with possibility of renewal. The job may require travel to South Africa for short durations up to twice a year.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the HAALSA project director, the RA will:

• Provide administrative and project support to the HAALSA study (60% effort), including organizing meetings with domestic and international partners; taking and circulating meeting minutes; and arranging travel for the team.
• Assist with logistics related to survey launches and field staff trainings.
• Perform literature reviews and assist in collating, organizing, and/or drafting materials for research papers, meetings, manuscripts, progress reports, and other documents for publication or presentation.
• Draft, revise, organize, and maintain standard operating procedure documents and codebooks.
• Assist with basic data cleaning and data organization tasks in collaboration with the Data Manager.
• Support project communications, including drafting content for the project website, social media, and blog posts.
• Serve as data compliance coordinator for HAALSA and the HCPDS overall (40% effort). This includes: assisting with IRB submissions and revisions; tracking study-related publications for grant reporting purposes; reviewing and processing Data Use Agreements (DUAs); serving as point of contact for the HCPDS's DUAs (e.g. HRS, Eurostat, AddHealth); communicating with data providers and users, establishing new user accounts; overseeing safe storage and destruction of data; maintaining necessary records; serving as the HCPDS liaison with FAS Research Computing (FASRC) that manages the Secure Environment (FASSE); managing the HCPDS's datasets stored at Harvard Dataverse (the University's major data repository); and monitoring and filing records of users and downloaders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of May 31, 2027 with possibility of renewal.

PLEASE NOTE: This position may require travel to South Africa for short durations up to twice a year.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Relevant & progressive administrative experience, preferably in a research or academic setting is strongly preferred. Scientific and/ or research background not required, but is preferred
• Experience using data statistical programming software, such as STATA or SAS
• Experience drafting data use agreements or IRB applications highly desirable
• Experience using MS Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive
• Demonstrated aptitude to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Responsive to requests, and excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Takes initiative and work well both independently and as a team member
• Culturally sensitive with excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate team-based work and work with international partners
• Interest in research related to public health, global health, aging societies, or cognition and dementia
• Comfortable traveling internationally

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: May 31, 2027
• 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!

• 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.

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 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.