Research Assistant III Non-Lab (Research Project and Data Assistant)

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

35d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS) is seeking a full-time, experienced Research Assistant (RA) to support field-based activities for its NIH-funded study, Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal Studies in South Africa (HAALSA). HAALSA is a longitudinal cohort study focused on aging in South Africa, examining cognitive health, cardiometabolic disease, HIV, public policies, social determinants of health, and health inequalities. The RA will support research procedures and data management for the HAALSA and HAALSA-HCAP studies, requiring strong attention to detail, communication, multitasking, and prioritization skills. The RA will work independently and as part of a team, collaborating with the HAALSA Project Director and international collaborators.

Requirements

• 3+ years of related experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience with statistical software such as STATA (strongly preferred), R, SAS, and/or other statistical software is required

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in global public health, biostatistics, epidemiology, psychology or related field strongly preferred
• Prior experience with clinical trials, observational studies; experience working on NIH studies; Institutional Review Board ethics protocol preparation; prior management and/or capacity building experience
• Experience in working with complex longitudinal data sets such as HRS, SHARE, and related international sister studies, etc.
• Demonstrable interest in research related to aging, learning and memory, or cognitive neuroscience.
• Previous experience with cognitive testing
• International work or travel experience
• Demonstrated experience with research project management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Culturally sensitive with excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate team-based work and interaction with research participants
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Experience working well independently as well as cooperatively within a team while also being able to take initiative
• Experience with STATA (strongly preferred), R, or SAS
• Experience using MS Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Dropbox

Responsibilities

• Process, organize, summarize, and analyze data using statistical software like Stata.
• Support tracking of project fieldwork progress to ensure benchmarks and timelines are met.
• Assist with the setup and maintenance of logistical aspects of the projects, including training, document management, and data collection systems.
• Support training of the field-based study team by preparing materials and assisting with evaluations.
• Follow and help implement standard operating procedure (SOP) documents.
• Assist with the standardization and streamlining of data collection and reporting, ensuring data quality and ethical standards.
• Support the preparation of datasets and codebooks for public release.
• Assist with scoring neuropsychological tests and creating summary measures.
• Organize and track processes related to the translation of study surveys and tools.
• Oversee licensing requests for cognitive assessment tools.
• Help coordinate remote dementia diagnostic consensus meetings.
• Assist in the preparation of slides and presentations.
• Collate, organize, draft, and/or edit materials for research papers, manuscripts, reports, and other publications, with potential for co-authorship.
• Communicate and collaborate with affiliated research personnel at other institutions.
• Support coordination with South African counterparts to track study progress and monitor participant recruitment and compliance.
• Support collaboration with HAALSI project investigators and the study team on scientific analyses.
• Learn and apply new research methods or software as project needs evolve.
• 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: Mid Level