Principal research associate – healthcare researcher

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Westat has an immediate opening for a Principal Research Associate – Healthcare Researcher conducting healthcare research and claims data analytics, statistical programming, reporting, and task management. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team primarily on healthcare and clinical contracts supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and pharmaceutical research. Candidates must be based in the U.S. to be considered for fully remote work arrangement. Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead application of quantitative research methods for a variety of large, complex projects for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other federal or commercial clients.
• Independently conduct programming and analysis activities using SQL, Python, and/or R, and using platforms such as Databricks to ingest, link, clean, create, and manipulate complex datasets including Medicare/Medicaid claims, commercial claims, and other administrative data.
• Conduct quantitative analysis, interpret results, and prepare internal and client reports including technical writing about healthcare data.
• Conduct quality assurance of other technical staff members’ technical specifications, documentation, analytic code, and output.
• Communicate quantitative results verbally and in writing for a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting documentation.
• Participate in business development activities, including developing technical approaches for new opportunities using healthcare data.

Basic Qualifications:

• A master's degree in economics, epidemiology, public health, data science or a relevant discipline and 8+ years of experience; OR a PhD in economics, epidemiology, public health, data science or a relevant discipline and 5+ years of experience.
• Experience conducting health services research independently and on multidisciplinary teams.
• Quantitative analytic expertise using SQL, and/or Python, and/or R.
• Experience working with Medicare claims and other Medicare administrative data related to beneficiaries, providers, and provider enrollment.
• Experience with healthcare research project management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on contracts to support evaluation for CMS projects.
• Experience with real world evidence and/or clinical trials data analysis and writing.
• Experience with technical writing about healthcare and/or pharmaceutical research data.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to coordinate completion of projects and tasks.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and may be removed from posting after 100 applications have been received.

Employment Eligibility:

This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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