Job Summary:

The Department of Biostatistics is a very busy and diverse department focused on research and teaching. Our 70+ faculty are leaders in the development of statistical methods for clinical trials and observational studies, studies on the environment, computational biology, and genomics/genetics. We offer degree programs in biostatistics, computational biology and data science; currently, more than 180 students are enrolled in these programs. Our team invites applications for a Programmer position in the National Studies on Air Pollution and Health group (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nsaph/). The position will be under the supervision of Principal Research Scientist, Dr. Danielle Braun, in Biostatistics.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

We are seeking a Programmer to join our dynamic team. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with developing and deploying data cleaning, data processing pipelines, data management, variable creation, and variable naming protocols of projects involving electronic health records, administrative claims data, environmental exposure data, and other complex databases using GitHub
• Maintain databases using R, Python, and SQL in collaboration with members of the research team
• Create and link customized databases and analytic datasets in UNIX environments
• Assist in the development, maintenance, and documentation of software in R (including R functions), Python, and SQL
• Function as a resource for the Senior Programmer, to help debug programs and to access correct data
• Work on HPC computing clusters and work with cluster computing IT to troubleshoot any issues in collaboration with the Senior Programmer and other team members
• Develop and refactor code for modular data processing pipelines, utilizing workflow languages and configuration managers
• Perform data exploration for preparation of datasets for environmental health research
• Build deployable data products using containers for data processing pipelines and dashboards
• Support data cataloging via JSON-based metadata schema
• Perform other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit work samples (sample code) and/or complete a coding assessment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years post-secondary experience required, or combination of education and/or relevant work experience
• Professional working experience with R, Python, SQL, GitHub, and/or related software required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Informatics, or other health data related field preferred; Master's Degree in a related field is strongly preferred*
• Knowledge of maintenance and support of IT infrastructure systems within a HPC cluster environment
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as efficiency and time management skills
• Organized with attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience collaborating with all levels of research team; demonstrated team performance skills
• Service oriented mindset and approach
• Desirable experience with version control for team development
• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity- based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
• Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2026 with the possibility of extension
• 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

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.