Assistant Director of Analysis

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7140745 (Ref.No. hh-62256BR)
Posted: April 19, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Description

The Assistant Director of Analysis in the laboratory of Dr. Zirui Song (Associate Professor of Health Care Policy and Medicine) and Dr. Jose Zubizarreta (Professor of Health Care Policy) at HCP is the leader of several key dimensions of multiple large and ongoing empirical research projects. These key dimensions include: (1) designing the strategic vision of empirical analyses, including the specific foundations of causal inference in each study (how do we know that A causes B?), (2) designing and refining the statistical methodology used in each research project, which differs from project to project based on the research question and unique data requirements, (3) devising the actual analytic steps required to carry out the analysis, including specifying the regression model, decisions about control groups, balancing treatment and control groups (using weights or other state-of-the-art techniques that the lab uses), calculating standard errors (significance), adjusting the measures of significance for multiple hypothesis testing (a key issue in health services research), and related steps, and, importantly, (4) leading this work while training collaborators—both in and outside of Harvard Medical School—graduate (PhD) students, MD students, and residents and fellows across Harvard teaching hospitals who train in the lab. The Assistant Director of Analysis works closely with Dr. Song and Dr. Zubizarreta, but is also able to use independent skills in the areas outlined above to direct the work of trainees and collaborators. The director of analysis is to have a deep conceptual knowledge of health services research, health economics, and statistical methods, an understanding of study design and causal inference, and knowledge of multiple health care databases, notably large claims databases. The Director of Analysis is able to teach and demonstrate programming for the lab’s members, as well as program at an expert level. The assistant director of analysis must be proficient in Stata, SQL, and R, each of which is used in different datasets, on different server platforms, or to achieve different goals in large data analysis. Importantly, the Assistant Director of Analysis is able to train and mentor collaborators, teaching them about the data and statistical methods used in the lab. The Director of Analysis must have strong project management skills, enabling them to work on multiple projects at the same time.

Basic Qualifications
  • Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Working Conditions
  • Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours, and may be contacted during off hours
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Applicant must have proficiency in STATA, SQL, and R.
  • Applicant must also have experience working with health care claims.
  • Masters or Ph.D. in Economics or Statistics required.
  • Must demonstrate interest, experience, or background in the area of health policy and/or health services organization, financing, and delivery.
  • Must be proficient with most computer software including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
  • Must have advanced knowledge of statistical software, in particular STATA, SQL, and R. Competency with LaTeX preferred.
  • Must learn other software as needed. Independent judgment, patience, and excellent communication skills are required to respond efficiently to varied/complex tasks.
  • Organization skills and attention to detail are required.
  • Flexibility and the ability to work with a team are essential.
  • Must be able to maintain a calm and cooperative attitude during periods of increased staff activity.
  • Teaching or mentoring experience preferred.
Additional Information
This is a one-year term position from an date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 

This position is based in Boston and some in-person on-campus work will be required, and flexible/remote work is an option. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to complete an attestation of having received their primary series COVID-19 vaccination prior to hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Individuals may request exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons prior to completing the hiring process. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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