Programmer

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 (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nsaph/). The position will be under the supervision of Principal Research Scientist, Dr. Danielle Braun, in Biostatistics.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
We are seeking a Programmer to join our dynamic team. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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 GitHub
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
PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of one year from date of hire with the possibility of extension.
PLEASE NOTE: 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, GitHub, 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
Awareness 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, and personal humility and authenticity
Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No