Research Assistant II Non-Lab (Research Assistant)

Harvard University • Boston, MA

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Healthcare Quality and Outcomes Lab (HQO) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Department of Health Policy and Management conducts multidisciplinary health policy and health services research to produce actionable evidence that promotes quality, equity, and resilience across healthcare delivery systems. The research team uses Medicare and other large national claims datasets to evaluate the effectiveness and unintended consequences of U.S. health reform. Topics include variation in cost, quality, and outcomes across healthcare services; care for socially vulnerable populations and older people with HIV; Veterans Health Administration access and efficiency; alternative payment models; Medicare Advantage provider networks; and climate change and health system resilience.

The Research Assistant will support faculty and research team members across a portfolio of projects. Work may include preparing manuscripts and presentations, conducting literature reviews, assisting with grants and proposals, coordinating research communications and meetings, producing charts and tables, writing policy and public-facing materials, compiling and cleaning data, performing statistical programming and analysis, and maintaining the HQO website. The position is intended to provide research experience and opportunities for mentorship and professional growth, including for candidates considering graduate education. The appointment is for one year from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension. The role is hybrid; the department sets work schedule and location based on operational needs.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of related work experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, social sciences, or statistics.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health policy and health services research.
• Experience with healthcare-related topics such as health policy or health services research, or related coursework.
• Strong writing background.
• Experience with EndNote, Mendeley, or other reference-management software.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data science, including running and interpreting regressions and data visualization.
• Experience in quantitative research methods and analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with SAS, Stata, or R.

Responsibilities

• Prepare scientific manuscripts and presentations, with opportunities for co-authorship.
• Conduct literature reviews and manage references.
• Assist with grant writing and research proposals.
• Coordinate project communications, research meetings, and meeting documentation.
• Produce charts and tables for manuscripts and presentations.
• Write policy briefs, op-eds, press releases, and other products.
• Compile and clean data sources.
• Perform statistical programming and analysis.
• Periodically update the HQO website to feature new publications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level