"Programmer"

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.

Independently perform comprehensive applications/web development for project of medium to large size and complexity; work as part of a team to implement business solutions. Write basic code of moderate complexity and maintain related documentation.

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 one year from date of hire, with the possibility of extension.

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

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• 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
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Informatics, or other health data related field 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

Certificates and Licenses

Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred