Programmer II

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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 Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR), an organization within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is responsible for the design, monitoring and statistical analysis of clinical trials and observational studies for several major national and international NIH-funded clinical research networks. CBAR employs over 60 statisticians and epidemiologists including Harvard faculty, research scientists, and staff.  Investigators within CBAR have provided statistical leadership and support for clinical research networks for thirty-five years. Currently this includes infectious disease networks such as: Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections (ACTG) and the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network (IMPAACT). Results from studies have helped to establish the paradigm for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases, and contributed to international treatment and prevention guidelines.

This position is located in the Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR) within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. Programmers are valued contributors to the strategic and research goals of the organization and enjoy an environment of learning and growth.  CBAR features a well-defined promotional track and support system for staff professional development.

CBAR has a hybrid work environment which includes a combination of on-campus/in-person work and remote work.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR) is actively recruiting an R Programmer II. The R Programmer II works as an individual contributor to improve programs and processes that enhance CBAR’s operational efficiency. This position also conceptualizes and implements tools and techniques that enhance statistical programming across research networks through collaboration with researchers.

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, maintain, and enhance reusable R programs, R packages, BASH programs, prepare analysis datasets, create tables, listings, and figures for statistical reports, and produce professional graphics
• Develop and refine large-scale programs that facilitate data manipulation and improve researchers’ experience for organizing and analyzing data
• Write and maintain Linux utilities and related guidance documents for researchers
• Test, validate, and document R, BASH, and Linux programs to ensure they meet CBAR and applicable CDISC requirements
• Develop and enhance programs that maintain and use metadata repositories, including CRAN, pharmaverse, CDISC, MedDRA, and WHODrug metadata
• Translate existing SAS macros and programs into validated, well-documented R functions and packages while maintaining the accuracy and reproducibility of existing processes
• Partner with senior management and programmers to learn and apply artificial intelligence technologies that may improve CBAR systems and processes
• Serve as a programming resource for statisticians, epidemiologists, and other programmers by troubleshooting complex programming problems and providing general programming support
• Educate statisticians and programmers on advanced R data manipulation, package development, programming techniques, and best practices
• Collaborate with researchers to implement standard operating procedures and other programming standards
• Participate in relevant CBAR committees and collaborate with researchers, clinicians, programmers, and data managers to advance CBAR’s research
• Mentor programming personnel to strengthen their skills and technical knowledge
• Maintain and expand technical knowledge by attending relevant workshops or conferences
• Develop and deliver statistical programming presentations, seminars, and other training activities for research staff
• Contribute to the programmer recruitment and hiring process as an interviewer
• Perform other duties as assigned

Please attach the following required documents when applying: 1) Resume, 2) Cover letter, 3) Sample of R code (solely created by the applicant) and 4) Names and email addresses for three (3) Professional references.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term date of November 30, 2027 with a likelihood of extension.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years post‐secondary experience required, or combination of education and/or relevant work experience
• Experience in R programming and/or R package development required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in a quantitative or scientific field such as mathematics or computer science
• Experience designing, developing, testing, documenting, and maintaining R functions or packages
• Experience with tidyverse, pharmaverse, or other CDISC-focused R packages
• Experience programming in SAS, BASH, or Linux environments is desirable but not required
• Experience with CDISC standards is desirable but not required
• Experience with data cleaning or preparing data for statistical analysis
• Experience working in a clinical trials or clinical research setting
• Experience following organizational standard operating procedures and project-specific work instructions
• Experience working independently to assess needs, identify solutions, develop specifications, and implement finalized programming solutions
• Interest in learning and applying emerging artificial intelligence technologies to improve programming processes
• Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software, and equipment
• Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor.
• Desire to remain informed of new developments in programming that are relevant to the industry and the development of tools in R
• Strong attention to detail, as well as a high level of self-motivation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong deductive reasoning and organizational skills

• Appointment End Date: November 30, 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!

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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 056. 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.