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Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS) is seeking a Research Assistant for a research project on the online advocacy movement, TBFighters. TBFighters began organizing in 2023 to oppose policies and practices that limit access to lifesaving diagnostics and care for people affected by tuberculosis. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research relevant to health equity organizing. The effort explores how TB Fighters formed, how the movement makes decisions and exercises power, and what distinguishes it from other health justice movements. This work is a collaboration among investigators—epidemiologists, sociologists, and activists—at HMS, University of Vermont, and Yale University School of Public Health. 

Key Responsibilities:

Empirical research

Under close supervision of the PIs, and together with other members of the study team, the RA will:

• Conduct semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a range of stakeholders. Interviews will be drawn through snowball sampling, and TBFighter alumni.
• Work with a team of Harvard students (identified through membership in a Harvard Club) to conduct content analysis of two bodies of cultural content: TBFighter documents and products and historical content produced by John and Hank Green, which presaged the formation of TBFighters.
• Perform coding and analysis of transcripts and results of content analysis.

Administration

• Track study activities and products per study timeline.
• Maintain IRB documents and approvals.
• Submit articles for publication, including gathering of input, disclosures and other forms from all stakeholders.
•  Attend seminars, meetings & other departmental events to learn about and contribute to intellectual community, particularly social-science-related activities.
• Dissemination and maintaining relationships.

Under close supervision of the PIs, the RA will:

• Provide regular updates to the research team, and other stakeholders.
• Guide students engaged in content analysis.
• Support the PIs in writing publications and making presentations, including: performing literature reviews, drafting sections of manuscripts and presentations, developing of figures/tables, formatting, and reference-checking.

Grantwriting

• Support the PIs in identifying potential sources of support for the TBFighter Project.
• Contribute to proposal writing and completion of administrative elements of submission.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in sociology, or a related field.
• One to two years of experience performing qualitative research (relevant coursework may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• College Degree preferred.
• Knowledge of social medicine principles and health equity frameworks.
• Familiarity with TB Fighters or other health equity social movements.
• Familiarity with social theory relevant to the project.
• Experience with grant writing, submission processes, and compliance monitoring.
• Experience working in multicultural, international environments.
• Familiarity with academic publishing and manuscript preparation.
• Experience with community-based participatory research approaches.

• Appointment End Date: This is a nine-month term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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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.