Quantitative Researcher/Senior Researcher – State and Local Government Services

About Mathematica:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Mathematica is hiring researchers with expertise in quantitative research and causal inference methods and health policy research, who will conduct studies and support program evaluation in the areas of public health, rural health, and healthcare.

The researchers will support project teams in the planning and execution of rigorous, data-driven research projects for state and local clients and may also contribute to evaluations for federal, leading health foundations, and commercial clients.

Responsibilities and expectations:

• Collaborate with senior staff in a multidisciplinary environment to apply rigorous quantitative research methods, including study design, causal inference, data management, and statistical and econometric analysis for describing or evaluating programs and policies
• Draft materials (reports, presentations, memos, policy briefs, dashboards) to present findings to policy, community, and professional audiences
• Help develop proposals for new research projects
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of other research staff

Required Qualifications:

• All candidates should have a Ph.D. or equivalent in economics, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, data science/data analytics, health services research, or other relevant discipline. In lieu of a Ph.D., a Masters’ degree with coursework in causal inference and demonstrated experience applying it to research will be considered equivalent.
• A Senior Researcher candidate should also bring at least 5 years of relevant, full-time professional experience to the role, with experience providing leadership to teams or project groups.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills. Training in causal inference methodologies is strongly preferred.
• Broad understanding of state health policy and programs
• Experience working at a state or local agency or consulting with states/localities strongly preferred.
• Experience using healthcare and public health data sources (e.g., healthcare claims, cost data, electronic health records, national surveys) is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with programming languages, such as R, Python, or STATA, and with AI platforms, such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to translate complex research methods and findings for various audiences including policymakers, providers, and community members.
• Comfort in client facing roles.
• Ability to work well in teams.
• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail; flexibility to lead and manage multiple priorities, sometimes simultaneously, under deadlines.

The Researcher role offers an anticipated annual base salary of $100,000 - $140,000 annually. The Senior Researcher role offers an anticipated annual base salary of $145,000 - $160,000 annually. Both roles are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus opportunity based on individual and company performance.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and work sample or writing sample that demonstrates your independent work or work in which you played a significant role (a publication, manuscript, job market paper, dissertation chapter, etc.).

Currently, Mathematica’s largest client is Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Most staff working on CMS contracts will be required to complete a successful background investigation including the Questionnaire for Public Trust Position SF-85. Staff that are unable to successfully undergo the background investigation will need to be able to obtain work outside CMS. Staff will work with their supervisor to get re-staffed, however if they are unable to do so it may result in employment termination due to lack of work.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.