Job Description

• We are seeking several consultants with substantive programming experience in R to aid them in translating existing code from SAS to R.
• These consultants will help enable shifting the platform in which we execute our methodologies.
• The ideal candidate will be an experienced statistical programmer using R who also has the
• temperament to double check their work and the willingness ask for clarification when
• necessary, in order to understand the current programs and ensure we are replicating results.
• Overall Responsibilities:
• Translating methodology code from SAS to R and confirming that the resulting translation is
• equivalent to the original.
• Receive task assignments using an issue tracker and Kanban board, track time spent on each
• task, and help estimate time necessary for future similar tasks. Tasks will largely be translating
• portions of statistical programs from SAS to R
• In preparation for translating code, review existing code and data and ask for any clarifications
• necessary. Using inputs and outputs from existing programs, prepare test cases for each
• module prior to translation.
• When translating code, follow example coding patterns set by reviewing example translated
• programs and any documentation provided such as programming style guides, etc. The
• programs will be translated to R, with particular emphasis placed on using the sparklyr and dplyr
• packages for data manipulation and the testthat package for testing.
• Proactively raise questions during development and participate in code review sessions when
• translation is close to completion to share results and seek approval. Code will be managed
• using git-based source code control, so some of this back and forth can happen asynchronously
• using merge request tickets.
• Before finalizing code, ensure tests pass, confirming that the program works equivalent to prior
• program.
• Qualifications:
• 3+ years of R programming experience. Experience with dplyr and testthat R packages is
• preferred. Experience with sparklyr or dbplyr R packages is also helpful.
• The ability to read and understand SAS code is required. This does not necessarily mean the
• candidate has deep experience writing SAS code. Experience with other languages with
• preprocessing (such as C++) can be a helpful substitute for SAS experience. Some of the SAS
• code is written using a subset of SQL, so experience with SQL is another helpful substitute.
• Discipline
• The ideal candidate will be competent in managing their time and activities.
• Being able to self manage by working through a predefined, prioritized backlog of tasks is
• critical. Experience with one or more development methodologies (Agile, Kanban, Lean,
• Scrum/Scrum Master) is helpful.
• The temperament to double check your work and be open to feedback while working through
• the process is critical.
• Written and oral communication skills are important—you will need to obtain information from