Research Assistant III Non-Lab

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Job Description

Job Summary:

The Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant III Non-Lab (RA III) to join a collaborative cancer epidemiology research group. This role offers the opportunity to contribute substantively to high-impact research on cancer etiology, progression and survival, and survivorship using large-scale epidemiologic datasets. Our research leverages data from major longitudinal studies, including the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the IRONMAN Registry, with a strong focus on prostate cancer.

The RA III will be a core member of the research team, working closely with faculty, biostatisticians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other research assistants to support cancer epidemiology research, data analyses, and cancer programmatic activities. Our group collaborates closely with researchers at the Harvard Cancer Center as well as international researchers through collaborations. The RA III will have the opportunity to work closely with the entire team and support the overall conduct and mission of the cancer epidemiology program.

This position is ideal for individuals seeking advanced research experience in epidemiology and population health, particularly in a cancer setting, and considering future doctoral training. The role offers close mentorship, opportunities for analytic leadership, and regular co-authorship on scientific publications within a rigorous and supportive academic environment. We seek candidates who are curious, detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to engage deeply in epidemiologic research in a progressive, inclusive, and top-tier academic setting.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant III will contribute to the Cancer Epidemiology team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This role will provide them with the opportunity to grow in epidemiology research, programming and statistical analysis, and in project management. The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Working closely with faculty and the research team on literature searches, grant writing, and manuscript writing, with the opportunity to be an author on published papers and conference abstracts including the opportunity to lead specific research projects
• Organizing agendas for and participate in regular meetings with our research team, collaborators, students, and colleagues
• Working closely with the PI and other team members to perform statistical analyses using R for manuscripts and grants, create data visualizations (tables, graphs, figures, etc.), and assist in the writing of scientific results
• Assisting with data cleaning and management of databases within the cancer epidemiology cohort studies, specifically with data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study
• Overseeing day to day research activities of other research projects, and provide regular updates and feedback to the study team
• Working in partnership with the PI to maintain and update the Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention website and social media
• Assisting in organizing and the execution of academic and research events and programs at Harvard Chan School and across the Harvard Cancer Center.
• Maintaining and updating the team’s project management systems (Dropbox and Github repositories)

The position may perform other duties related to our cancer epidemiology projects as needed by the PI and/or Project Manager (including planning large events, managing the team’s finances, and interviewing potential new team members).

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

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of related research experience is required – a combination of education and practical experience may be considered; coursework using and/or experience with R for statistical programming required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree; Master’s level training in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or related fields is a strong plus
• Experience with MS Office
• Interest in cancer research, molecular biology, public health, medicine, and/or biological sciences strongly preferred
• Excellent analytical and logical reasoning skills
• Proactive and independent but also works well in a team
• The ideal applicant will have strong attention to detail and experience multitasking/managing multiple priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Additional Information

• 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