Research Assistant IV Non-Lab

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking a Research Assistant IV Non-Lab (Policy Analyst) to support a research program led by Dr. Abdisalan Noor. This position focuses on enhancing public health analytics capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, with an emphasis on malaria and maternal and child health. The successful candidate will lead efforts to investigate the processes that countries undertake to develop evidence-based policies, assess barriers and facilitators to these processes, and identify best practices that enable effective policy implementation. The Policy Analyst will be responsible for conducting literature reviews, developing research protocols, and engaging with country research partners. They will also contribute to the mapping of evidence-to-policy processes and participate in interviews and focus groups to gather qualitative data. Regular meetings with Harvard faculty mentors will ensure progress assessment and collaboration with experts in health policy analysis. The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and excellent written and oral communication skills. This position is a full-time, term appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension. The analyst will be expected to travel approximately 10% of the time to selected countries to implement the project. Candidates must submit both a resume and a cover letter, and shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a work sample during the interview process.

Responsibilities

• Lead work in selected countries focusing on malaria and maternal and child health.
• Investigate processes for developing evidence-based policies in study countries.
• Frame best practices and core capacities for evidence-informed policy processes.
• Assess key decisions made and their impact on health policy implementation.
• Contribute to country selection criteria based on quantitative and qualitative metrics.
• Identify and engage country research partners.
• Develop research protocols and methods for literature reviews and qualitative/quantitative approaches.
• Map evidence-to-policy processes through interviews and focus groups.
• Review, produce, and disseminate study reports with recommendations.

Requirements

• 4+ years of relevant experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Master's degree in health policy, public health, health economics, or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in literature review and evidence-to-policy translation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Second language skills (French or Portuguese) a plus.
• Knowledge of and commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Skills related to creating an inclusive environment and effective intercultural engagement.

Benefits

• 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff).
• 12 accrued sick days per year.
• 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January.
• 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire).
• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Disability and life insurance programs.
• Child and elder/adult care resources including on-campus childcare centers.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation.
• Tuition Assistance Program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program providing 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
• Access to professional development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and public transportation passes.