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

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Job Summary:

The Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a half time Research Assistant II to support a one year, mixed methods study entitled “Lessons Learned from the Rise and Fall of Steward Health Care: Implications for Policymakers.” The project examines the Steward Health Care bankruptcy and comparable private equity–associated healthcare failures to develop early warning indicators and policy recommendations for regulators, policymakers, and the investment community.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Principal Investigator and Co Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant II will support all phases of the project, including document and data collection, financial and policy analysis support, qualitative interviews, and preparation of publications and presentations.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct systematic searches for and retrieve publicly available documents related to Steward Health Care and comparable organizations, including audited financial statements, Medicare Cost Reports, bankruptcy court filings, regulatory reports, public health records, and incident management documents
• Organize and maintain structured databases and electronic files tracking key events, entities, financial and operational indicators, and relevant policy actions across states
• Assist faculty and a financial consultant with preparation of datasets, simple tabulations, and tables/figures to support more advanced financial and trend analyses
• Conduct literature and policy reviews on state and federal oversight of private equity involvement in healthcare delivery, including transaction review processes and reporting requirements
• Support key informant interviews by helping identify participants; coordinating outreach and scheduling; tracking consent and confidentiality documentation; and maintaining accurate records
• Attend interviews with project leadership; manage recording, detailed note taking, and organization of transcripts and qualitative materials
• Draft concise analytic memos summarizing findings from document review, financial analysis support, and interviews
• Contribute to drafting background sections, exhibits (tables/figures), and other content for a detailed white paper, an issue brief, and manuscripts for peer reviewed journals and professional outlets.
• Assist in preparing slide decks and other presentation materials for policymakers, regulators, professional societies, and academic audiences
• Provide general project coordination support, including maintaining the work plan and timelines; organizing meetings; preparing agendas and minutes; and assisting with IRB and data security documentation as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

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

PLEASE NOTE: This is a benefits-eligible, part-time position with a schedule of 17.5 hours/week.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of related work experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Management, Master of Health Administration (HMA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Experience with financial analysis and statistical analysis
• Experience in quantitative research methods and analysis
• Completed financial accounting courses
• Experience with core research activities such as literature review, data collection/management, and/or basic quantitative or qualitative analysis
• Experience with Microsoft software applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Experience with EndNote, Mendeley and/or other reference managers
• Strong attention to detail skills
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills 

• Appointment End Date: One year from the date of hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country! 

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions. 

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings. 

• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers. 

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.