Principal Research Associate - Healthcare Data Analytics - Remote

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve in various technical roles using data transformation, extract-transform-load (ETL), and quantitative research methods for a variety of large, complex projects for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other federal clients.
• Independently conduct programming and analysis activities using SQL, Python, R, and Databricks to ingest, link, clean, create, and manipulate complex datasets including Medicare/Medicaid claims and administrative data.
• Conduct quantitative analysis, interpret results, and prepare internal and client reports.
• 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.
• Participate in business development activities, as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• A master's degree in a relevant discipline and 8+ years of related experience, or a bachelor's degree and 15+ years of related experience.
• Experience conducting health services research independently and on multidisciplinary teams.
• Quantitative analytic expertise using SQL, SAS, R, Python, and/or Databricks.
• Experience working with Medicare claims and other Medicare administrative data related to beneficiaries, providers, and provider enrollment such as Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS).
• Experience working in the CMS IDR-C or Databricks environments.
• Experience working on CMS contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on contracts to support CMMI implementation and monitoring of alternative payment models.
• Task leadership experience.
• Ability to summarize or synthesize information for different audiences and purposes.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to coordinate completion of projects and tasks.

Benefits

• 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 per year)
• 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

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this role is $115,000 - $144k and will be commensurate with experience. Bonus eligibility yes.

Schedule

We value regular in-person collaboration and preference will be given to candidates who can work 2 days per week at our Bethesda, Maryland office or at one of our other Westat office locations. Candidates must be based in the U.S. to be considered for a fully remote work arrangement.