Statistical Analyst/Research Programmer

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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 Department of Health Policy and Management (HPM) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a highly motivated Statistical Analyst / Research Programmer to support a portfolio of multidisciplinary health policy and health services research projects. This position is embedded in an academic research environment and is focused on the analysis of large-scale Medicare and Medicaid administrative claims and assessment data, often exceeding one million beneficiaries across multiple years.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty investigators, statisticians, and research staff to prepare, manage, and analyze complex health care data to inform peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and funded research initiatives. This role is well suited for individuals with strong quantitative and statistical programming skills who are interested in applied health policy research rather than software or product development.

Project topics include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluating the impact of Medicaid Managed Care adoption on medical care utilization, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and beneficiary outcomes
• Identifying populations likely eligible for exemptions to Medicaid work requirements using claims and eligibility data
• Assessing the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency on medical and LTSS outcomes, including variation by state policy responses
• Examining the role of Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services expansions on Medicare and Medicaid costs and quality outcomes
• Developing predictive analytic models to identify individuals with disabilities and older adults likely to use LTSS or transition across care settings
• Developing and implementing analytic approaches to measure health disparities experienced by people with disabilities across the health care system

This position is ideal for candidates seeking hands-on experience in health services and health policy research prior to pursuing advanced graduate training (e.g., PhD, DrPH, MD). A core component of the HPM mission is to train the next generation of health policy and health system leaders, and faculty are committed to providing mentorship and professional development aligned with the successful candidate’s long-term goals.

Learn more about the Department of Health Policy and Management here: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/health-policy-and-management/

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Statistical Analyst/Research Programmer will collaborate with faculty and research team members on a range of analytic and data management tasks, including but not limited to:

•  Managing, organizing, and documenting large, longitudinal Medicare and Medicaid claims and assessment datasets, often spanning multiple years and data sources
• Designing and maintaining analytic datasets, including complex data linkage, merging, and transformation workflows
• Conducting statistical analyses using STATA as the primary analytic tool, with SAS and/or R used as complementary tools when appropriate
• Working with restricted-access federal data sources, including CMS Virtual Research Data Center (VRDC) and T-MSIS Analytic Files (TAF)
• Supporting analyses involving regression modeling, quasi-experimental methods, longitudinal and hierarchical models, and survey-weighted analyses
• Collaborating with faculty and statisticians to translate research questions into analytic plans and reproducible code
• Preparing tables, figures, and analytic summaries for manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations
• Maintaining clear and reproducible documentation of data management and analytic workflows
• Coordinating with remote collaborators and contributing to team-based research efforts
• Performing other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from date of hire, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

PLEASE NOTE: Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a writing sample and may be asked to complete a statistical programming skills assessment.      

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of post-secondary education or relevant work experience
• Experience conducting statistical analysis using STATA in an academic or research setting

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

PLEASE NOTE: Demonstrated experience conducting independent statistical analyses of Medicare and/or Medicaid administrative claims data in an academic or health services research setting (e.g., preparation of analytic datasets, execution of regression-based analyses, and contribution to manuscripts or policy reports) is strongly preferred. Please be sure to list this experience on your resume if you have it.

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Health Policy, Economics, or a related quantitative field preferred, with 1–3 years of relevant research experience
• Hands-on experience working with large administrative health care datasets, particularly Medicare and/or Medicaid claims data
• Familiarity with CMS data environments, including VRDC and/or T-MSIS Analytic Files (TAF) - please be sure to list this experience on your resume if you have it.
• Experience managing and analyzing datasets with millions of records across multiple years
• Strong data management and statistical programming skills in STATA; working knowledge of SAS and/or R
• Experience using Databricks or similar cloud-based analytic platforms is highly desirable
• Knowledge of applied statistical and health services research methods
• Ability to clearly summarize and interpret complex analytic results for academic audiences
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working collaboratively with faculty investigators and research teams

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire 
• 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, Education, Criminal

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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. 

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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.