SAS Programmer I

Harvard University, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

26-May-2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

56022BR


Job Summary

The Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR), an organization within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is responsible for the design, monitoring and statistical analysis of clinical trials and observational studies for several major national and international NIH-funded clinical research networks. CBAR employs over 100 statisticians and epidemiologists including Harvard faculty, research scientists, and staff. Investigators within CBAR have provided statistical leadership and support for clinical research networks for more than 30 years. Currently this includes infectious disease networks such as: the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Groups (ACTG), the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT), and the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS). Results from studies have helped to establish the paradigm for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases, and contributed to international treatment and prevention guidelines.

CBAR is seeking a SAS Programmer I to join the Programming Core, a robust and productive centralized team focused on engineering solutions and supporting CBAR's network-wide research programming needs. Ideal candidates are innovative thinkers and doers, motivated to learn new concepts and improve programs and processes that enhance CBAR’s operational efficiency. Incoming SAS programmers complete a comprehensive training program to expand their SAS, Linux, and CDISC competencies, acquire hands-on experience under the direction of skilled programmers, and collaborate with researchers in an environment of mutual cooperation and respect.

Programmers are valued contributors to the strategic and research goals of the organization and enjoy an environment of learning and growth. CBAR features a well-defined promotional track and support system for employees’ professional development and is committed to promoting an inclusive workplace where in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected.


Position Description

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

  • Developing and enhancing SAS and Python programs, and shell scripts that:
    • obtain data from Data Management Centers
    • prepare datasets for subsequent statistical analysis
    • create finalized Tables, Listings, and Figures (TLFs) for statistical reports
    • produce professional, well-designed graphics
  • Developing programs that facilitate data manipulation and improve the user experience in organizing data for analysis
  • Writing shell scripts, python programs, and related guidance documents for researchers
  • Testing, validating, and documenting efficacy of SAS and Linux programs to ensure they meet CBAR and CDISC requirements, and produce accurate results
  • Producing and enhancing programs which maintain and utilize metadata repositories - including CDISC, MedDRA, WHOdrug
  • Increasing technical knowledge by attending relevant workshops, conferences, and seminars
  • Acting as a subject matter specialist for statisticians, epidemiologists, and other programmers. This includes:
    • Engaging with researchers via various communication channels to troubleshoot unique programming problems and general programming support
    • Educating SAS users on data manipulation, programming techniques, and sharing best practices
    • Collaborating with users to implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    • Assisting with the transition to CDISC system
  • Performing other duties as assigned
Please attach the following when applying: 1) Resume, 2) Cover letter, 3) Sample of SAS code (solely created by the applicant), and 4) Names and email contact information for three (3) professional references.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of November 30, 2027, with strong likelihood of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: The primary work location for this position is Boston, MA and in order to be on Harvard payroll, you must reside in one of the following states – MA, NH, RI, ME, CT, VT, NY, or MD. We are also working primarily remotely at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until our return to campus, this interview process and position will be conducted virtually – including virtual interviews, remote onboarding, and remote work. The remote nature of this position is only temporary. Local, on-campus work will be required as a condition of continued employment once the School and this role return to an operational status that supports it. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will support flexible work schedules upon this return, subject to individual departments’ business needs.


Basic Qualifications

  • 2+ years of related experience required; a combination of experience and education considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree, in a quantitative or scientific field such as mathematics or computer science, strongly preferred
  • Experience programming in SAS, including independent code development using base SAS and/or creation of SAS macros, strongly preferred
  • Experience programming in Linux or other high-level programming languages preferred
  • Experience with data cleaning preferred
  • Knowledge of statistical and/or clinical trials preferred
  • Strong attention to detail, as well as a high level of self-motivation, preferred
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills preferred
  • Strong deductive reasoning and organizational skills preferred
The following cultural competencies are also preferred:
  • 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

Additional Information

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

  • Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
  • Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
  • Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events -- and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.
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 University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ . 


Job Function

Information Technology


Location

USA - MA - Boston


Job Code

403123 Info Tech Support Associate II


Department

Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research


Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers


Appointment End Date

30-Nov-2027


Pre-Employment Screening

Identity


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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