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

Posting date: March 10, 2026

Job Reference: 002359SR

1. Job Type: Part-time
2. Location: Boston
3. School/Unit: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
4. Salary Grade: 053
5. Job Function: Research
6. FLSA Status: Non-exempt
7. Term Appointment: Yes
8. Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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 Description

Job Summary:

The Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a half time Research Assistant II to support a one year, mixed methods study entitled “Lessons Learned from the Rise and Fall of Steward Health Care: Implications for Policymakers.” The project examines the Steward Health Care bankruptcy and comparable private equity–associated healthcare failures to develop early warning indicators and policy recommendations for regulators, policymakers, and the investment community.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Principal Investigator and Co Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant II will support all phases of the project, including document and data collection, financial and policy analysis support, qualitative interviews, and preparation of publications and presentations.

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

• Conduct systematic searches for and retrieve publicly available documents related to Steward Health Care and comparable organizations, including audited financial statements, Medicare Cost Reports, bankruptcy court filings, regulatory reports, public health records, and incident management documents
• Organize and maintain structured databases and electronic files tracking key events, entities, financial and operational indicators, and relevant policy actions across states
• Assist faculty and a financial consultant with preparation of datasets, simple tabulations, and tables/figures to support more advanced financial and trend analyses
• Conduct literature and policy reviews on state and federal oversight of private equity involvement in healthcare delivery, including transaction review processes and reporting requirements
• Support key informant interviews by helping identify participants; coordinating outreach and scheduling; tracking consent and confidentiality documentation; and maintaining accurate records
• Attend interviews with project leadership; manage recording, detailed note taking, and organization of transcripts and qualitative materials
• Draft concise analytic memos summarizing findings from document review, financial analysis support, and interviews
• Contribute to drafting background sections, exhibits (tables/figures), and other content for a detailed white paper, an issue brief, and manuscripts for peer reviewed journals and professional outlets.
• Assist in preparing slide decks and other presentation materials for policymakers, regulators, professional societies, and academic audiences
• Provide general project coordination support, including maintaining the work plan and timelines; organizing meetings; preparing agendas and minutes; and assisting with IRB and data security documentation as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a benefits-eligible, part-time position with a schedule of 17.5 hours/week.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of related work experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Management, Master of Health Administration (HMA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Experience with financial analysis and statistical analysis
• Experience in quantitative research methods and analysis
• Completed financial accounting courses
• Experience with core research activities such as literature review, data collection/management, and/or basic quantitative or qualitative analysis
• Experience with Microsoft software applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Experience with EndNote, Mendeley and/or other reference managers
• Strong attention to detail skills
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: One year from the date of hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 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!

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 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.