Programmer, IT​/Tech, Data Scientist

Overview

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.

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 fosters 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.

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. The position will be under the supervision of Principal Research Scientist, Dr. Danielle Braun, in Biostatistics.

• 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 Git Hub
• 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

Note: This position has a term end date of June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit work samples (sample code) and/or complete a coding assessment.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years post‑secondary experience required, or combination of education and/or relevant work experience
• Professional working experience with R, Python, SQL, Git Hub, 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
• Aware 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,…