Graduate Research Assistant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION

The Graduate Research Assistant for Historical and Statistical Research will play a key role in the DC Health Histories project by analyzing historical public health documentation and developing statistical analyses to support the interpretation of population health data. This position involves scrutinizing technical texts, such as public health reports and revisions to ICD codes, while also applying statistical methods to contextualize health trends. The assistant will document historical data collection practices, identify key insights or anomalies, and synthesize findings into coherent narratives that bridge historical research with quantitative analysis.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but requires regular collaboration with the research team and faculty advisors.

NATURE AND SCOPE

The role requires a dual skill set, combining historical research and statistical analysis. The assistant will review public health reports, identify changes in classification systems (such as ICD revisions), and apply R-based statistical methods to interpret trends in population health. This position involves working with archival materials, structured data sources, and computational tools to support data-driven storytelling.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Review, document, and summarize key insights from historical public health reports, including ICD code revisions and national vital statistics reports.
• Identify notable or unexpected observations in official documentation to inform the interpretation of population health data.
• Maintain detailed records of research findings and develop contextual narratives that integrate historical and statistical insights.
• Develop, test, and refine R code for statistical analyses of historical health data.
• Implement functions from demography and social epidemiology to analyze population health trends.
• Assist in visualizing data for integration into the project’s historical narratives.
• Collaborate with the research team to establish reproducible workflows for data analysis and historical documentation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and research skills, particularly in historical document analysis and statistical interpretation.
• Proficiency in R programming for statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Strong writing and summarization skills, with the ability to synthesize complex historical and quantitative data.
• Attention to detail and ability to identify significant trends or anomalies in historical documentation and statistical findings.
• Experience with archival research and structured data sources.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research setting

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Background in history, anthropology, public health, epidemiology, demography, economics or a related field. Experience with archival research and document analysis. Advanced proficiency in R programming and statistical analysis.

Familiarity with so