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

Research Assistant III Non-Lab (Research Project and Data Assistant) Full-time Work Format: Hybrid Harvard Job Function: Research Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Salary Grade: 054 Department: Center for Population and Development Studies FLSA Status: Non-exempt 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 Summary: The Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS) is a university-wide initiative dedicated to interdisciplinary research focused primarily on the quantitative social science of population change, socioeconomic development, and public health. Our goal is to produce population-based evidence that will better inform policies needed to create healthy and resilient societies. The HCPDS is seeking a full-time, experienced Research Assistant (RA) to support our field-based activities for its NIH-funded study, Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal Studies in South Africa (HAALSA). HAALSA began as a community-based longitudinal cohort study nested within the heath and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS) in Agincourt, South Africa. The goal of this research project is to explore aging in South Africa, with focal areas in cognitive health, cardiometabolic disease, HIV and HIV treatment, public policies, social determinants of health, and health inequalities. Research focuses on exploring the interrelationships between: Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias; physical and cognitive functioning; lifestyle risk factors; household income & expenditure; depression and mental health; social networks and family composition; HIV infection; and cardiometabolic disease. HAALSA is currently in its fourth year of the grant period, which includes continuation of the community cohort study as well as the launch of a nationally representative survey in South Africa. The community and national surveys each include a sub-study with in-depth focus on cognition and dementia. The studies are designed to be aligned with the international Health and Retirement (HRS) sister studies, and the HRS Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP), while also addressing research questions specific to aging in the South African context. HAALSA is led by Dr. Lisa Berkman at HCPDS and Dr. Thomas Gaziano at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, plus a team of collaborators at the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Cape town in South Africa, as well as other institutions in South Africa and the US. The RA will support research procedures and data management for the overall HAALSA and the HAALSA-HCAP studies. The position will require high level of attention to detail in data management, strong communication skills, and multitasking and prioritization. The RA must work independently as well as within a team. The RA will work closely with the HAALSA Project Director, as well as collaborators in South Africa and the US. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Duties and responsibilities