Programmer/Analyst II, Dept, of Orthopaedics

We are seeking to hire a talented, motivated programmer/developer to work with our internationally recognized, multidisciplinary health policy and clinical outcomes research team at the Orthopedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (OrACORe) and the Policy and Innovation eValuation in Orthopedic Treatments (PIVOT) Centers, both in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The programmer will be essential to the research operations of OrACORe/PIVOT and will be an integral member of the Centers.

The PIVOT Center conducts research to inform health policy by using computer simulation modeling to evaluate musculoskeletal disease treatments and policy. We have two main computer simulation models: one focusing on knee osteoarthritis and the other focusing on frailty, falls, and fractures among people with HIV. As a programmer in our group, you will have the opportunity to learn about public health and health policy issues while using your software skills to help solve healthcare problems.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a developer embedded within a research group composed of healthcare researchers with diverse backgrounds, you may contribute to a variety of software-related tasks including, for example:

• Converting existing simulation models programmed in C# to C++
• Maintaining and developing simulation models for knee osteoarthritis and frailty/falls/fractures through:
  • Coding, debugging, and testing new features
  • Streamlining and model optimization to decrease simulation time
  • Implementing unit testing to facilitate modeling debugging
  • Writing programs to efficiently run simulations and store model output across available computers
  • Developing code to facilitate model calibration and sampling parameters from pre-defined distributions
  • Consulting with research personnel on model mechanics and structure
• Developing new and existing data analysis/visualization tools
• Meeting regularly with research personnel to devise innovative and scientifically appropriate solutions to modeling and data analysis challenges
• Working with research personnel to identify workflow issues and develop technical solutions, such as writing scripts to automate time-consuming or error-prone tasks
• Serving as a technical liaison with external collaborators
• Contributing to grant proposals by consulting on technical/programming aspects
• Producing documentation for technical and non-technical audiences
• Assisting researchers with software-related questions and problem solving

QUALIFICATIONS

Job qualifications include the following:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Master's degree in computer science, mathematics or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Python or similar scripting language
• Familiarity with C++ development
• Comfortable with Windows and Linux development environments
• Quick to learn new technologies and scientific concepts

One or more of the following desired but not required:

• Interest in science and/or public health
• Professional C++ development experience
• Data visualization experience
• Cluster computing experience
• Linux/Windows systems administration

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Collaborating/Communicating

• Good interpersonal skills with ability to act professionally at all levels
• Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to explain technical software concepts in an approachable manner

Gets Results/Takes Initiative

• Excellent time management skills
• High personal work standards and commitment to results
• Keen ability to anticipate and solve problems proactively
• Demonstrates initiative and identifies key priorities, even in ambiguous situations
• Consistently demonstrates a positive, "can-do" attitude

Analytical Skills

• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn
• Rigorous academic and/or professional background including quantitative work
• Basic familiarity with health research