hphci

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute

POSITION TITLE: SAS Programmer/Analyst II

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The SAS Programmer/Analyst II will collaborate in a number of epidemiological and health services research projects in the Department of Population Medicine (DPM). DPM is a department within the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. The SAS Programmer/Analyst II will be a member of the Research Services Data Center (RSDC), and will be in charge of data specifications, technical design, database development, data management, programming and statistical analysis, and results reporting for several simultaneous research projects. This person will utilize a variety of technical tools and software to develop programs and utility applications, and manipulate and analyze data in a variety of Unix and PC environments. S/he will provide statistical expertise to investigators and study teams, and share knowledge with other members of RSDC. The SAS Programmer/Analyst II works under the general direction of the Manager of Administration & Systems.

The SAS Programmer/Analyst II will work on one of the following 2 projects:

Monitoring H1N1 influenza vaccine safety using data from large health plans and immunization registries

In support of the national influenza pandemic preparedness and response program, this project will develop a near real time safety assessment capability for H1N1 influenza vaccine. The system will use vaccine exposure and outcome data from large health plans covering approximately 15% of the U.S. population, together with vaccine exposure data from immunization registries in several states. The SAS Programmer/Analyst II will write SAS programs to identify the surveillance population of persons who have received H1N1 or seasonal influenza vaccine; write SAS programs that create aggregate data files using individual-level data files; create analytic programs to conduct sequential analyses on a weekly basis; conduct interim and final analyses; and conduct weekly quality control analyses.

The Randomized Evaluation of Decolonization versus Universal Clearance to Eliminate MRSA (REDUCE MRSA) Trial

REDUCE MRSA is a cluster randomized trial of the comparative effectiveness of three strategies to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in intensive care units. Approximately 60 hospitals throughout the US will be randomized and participate in the trial. The SAS Programmer/Analyst II will write SAS programs to analyze and report on compliance by hospital on a monthly basis; assist with development of hospital data file specifications; write quality assurance SAS programs; analyze trial data periodically and at the completion of the trial.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for data management and analysis tasks on multiple epidemiological research projects for internal and external customers. Depending on the nature of the project, may work with a project team that includes many levels of staff, or may work independently with the investigator. Supports all aspects of the project, including work plan development, project design, developing SAS programs, data problem identification and resolution and results reporting.

Provide statistical expertise using traditional and up-to-date methodologies. Conduct literature reviews to research methods, adapt and utilize methods for specific projects. Areas of expertise include sequential analyses, text string searches, data mining methods, discrete choice experiment methods, and logistic regression modeling.

Develop, design, clean, manage, and analyze data from all corporate systems using UNIX and PC software. In addition to utilizing corporate databases, will also utilize data developed from surveys, chart reviews, PC databases, and external sources.

Develop working knowledge of and facility in accessing data structure and contents of all HPHC and HVMA data sources including: clinical information systems, automated medical records, hospital claims, outpatient claims, pharmacy, enrollment and benefits data.

Develop working knowledge of technical and software tools required to access, utilize and analyze data from all HPHC systems environments. Assimilate and learn new technical tools, software and data systems to accommodate continuous changes in technical environment.

Independently document project tasks and specifications. Responsible for managing project work according to work plan, and for successful completion of project goals within project timeline using effective time-management skills. Identify and recommend alternative data/methods to meet project needs in most efficient way.

Manage databases for multiple projects, create and manage data documentation procedures and data dictionaries.

Develop and perform data quality control activities.

Utilize knowledge of analytic and statistical concepts, techniques, and methods in daily work.

Utilize knowledge of epidemiologic and health services research concepts and methods in daily work.

Attend and actively participate in staff, data/operations, and co-investigator meetings for multiple projects.

Participate in systems development projects (such as the corporate data warehouse) through systems and data analysis, application development, system testing and debugging, as needed.

Use good judgment and practice in working with highly confidential information. Follow all applicable privacy and confidentiality procedures in daily work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e. computer programming, public health, statistics)

Experience:

5-7 years of practical experience programming or conducting analyses in a health care environment or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

Excellent computer skills, including database management and proficiency in statistical software (proficient knowledge of SAS required, SQL knowledge preferred).

Prior experience retrieving, manipulating and analyzing data on UNIX computer systems.
Knowledge of personal computer applications (word-processing, spreadsheet, database management, graphics).
Demonstrated ability to learn new technical tools and software applications, and work with a variety of data and data sources.
Ability to utilize basic project planning skills, concepts and tools, including relevant software.
Demonstrated ability to work on projects with multiple investigators simultaneously.
Knowledge of study design, research methodology, statistical analysis, and data management.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

To apply, please email a cover letter and your resume to:

Virginia L. Hinrichsen, MS, MPH

Manager, Administration & Systems

Department of Population Medicine

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute

133 Brookline Ave., 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02215

Virginia_Hinrichsen@HarvardPilgrim.org