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 HAALSI study team examines the biological, social, and economic factors and public policies that interact to influence the course of major diseases and disorders among older adults in South Africa, including dementia and cognitive decline, cardiometabolic disease, and HIV. HAALSI began as a community-based longitudinal cohort study nested within the health and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS) in Agincourt, South Africa, where the study team has completed three waves of survey and biomarker data collection. HAALSI has recently been renewed for the next 5-year period, which will include continuation of our community cohort study in Agincourt as well as the launch of the first nationally representative longitudinal HAALSI survey across 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. HAALSI 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, South Africa, and other institutions in South Africa and the US.
We are seeking a full-time Senior Research Analyst/Program Manager for this project who will focus on supporting our Agincourt, South Africa survey work. The successful candidate will both manage Agincourt study operations and perform data analysis for the HAALSI Agincourt surveys. The analyst will work closely with a South Africa-based researcher on both study implementation and study data analysis.
This is a full-time term appointment starting summer 2023 (start date flexible) through June 30, 2025 with strong possibility of renewal. There is a strong preference for candidates willing to stay at least two years.
Candidates are asked to visit the HAALSI project website and HCPDS website for more information on HAALSI.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Oversee survey launches in Agincourt, South Africa, including extended stays at the field site (up to 3 months at a time).
- Collaborate closely with the Agincourt field team, including the HAALSI Project Site Manager and Researcher based at the University of the Witwatersrand. Coordinate the set up and maintenance of logistical aspects of the projects (e.g. training in study protocols, document management, and data collection systems).
- Lead fieldwork trainings, then monitor fieldwork progress and survey response rates.
- Ensure study procedures are meeting approved timelines and following protocol and SOPs. Serve as a senior resource to project staff to problem solve.
- Oversee data quality reviews with the HAALSI Data Manager, and communicate with the field team about for re-trainings as needed.
- Communicate study progress with the collaborators at Harvard, University of Witwatersrand, and other institutions. Prepare and send project reports and updates to Harvard Team and collaborators.
- Oversee ethical compliance at Harvard, University of Witwatersrand, and all other IRBs.
- Lead and participate in analysis of Agincourt survey data.
- Collaborate with project investigators and study team on data analysis.
- Write and co-author publications.
- Participate in production of analytic datasets.
- Contribute to questionnaire development and study design
- Other duties as assigned
- Valid driver’s license preferred (for travel in South Africa)
PLEASE NOTE: Must be willing and able to spend extended periods of time (up to 3 months at a time) at the Agincourt site in South Africa.
Educational level: Master’s Degree or PhD in psychology, public health, epidemiology, health economics, econometrics, biostatistics or related quantitative social science field required (If master’s level, we prefer 5 years of related experience).
See official job posting for full job description, all required/preferred qualifications required, and application process:
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25240&siteid=5341#jobDetails=1992109_5341
Job code: 62430BR
Questions should be directed to Laura Price, HCPDS Deputy Director at lprice@hsph.harvard.edu