Sr. Researcher, Healthcare Evaluation (Remote Eligible)
Mathematica · Ann Arbor, MI · 1 mo ago
OTHR$120k–$160k/yrFull-time
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: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance. Primary Duties And Responsibilities Mathematica is seeking a Senior Researcher with strong quantitative research and evaluation expertise to lead and contribute to complex research, evaluation, and data analytics projects, with a particular focus on health policy and federal health programs. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience designing and conducting rigorous evaluations, working with large and complex administrative data, and translating research and analytic findings into actionable insights for clients and policymakers. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience working with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data and programs, including the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). The successful candidate will combine strong methodological and analytic expertise with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, collaborate effectively with clients and partners, and contribute to the development of new approaches that improve the efficiency, timeliness, and usefulness of research and evaluation. Responsibilities Lead and advise on complex quantitative research and evaluation activities for federal and other clientsLead multidisciplinary project teams, providing the direction, organization, and coordination necessary to deliver high-quality work on time and within budgetDesign and implement rigorous research and evaluation approaches to address complex health policy and program questionsWork with large and complex administrative data sources, including CMS data, to assess programs, policies, outcomes, and implementationAssess data quality and fitness for use, identify and address limitations in administrative data, and guide appropriate interpretation of findingsLead and contribute to efforts to integrate, link, and aggregate multiple data sources to support research and decision makingApply advanced quantitative methods to analyze data and answer research and policy questionsExplore and apply machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other emerging analytic approaches to improve research efficiency, accelerate the generation of insights, and support client decision makingAssess the strength of study designs and existing evidence and contribute to evidence reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, as appropriateTranslate complex research methods, data considerations, and findings into clear and actionable information for policymakers, program administrators, practitioners, and other audiencesCollaborate closely with clients and other stakeholders to understand their needs, communicate project progress and findings, and inform program and policy decisionsIncorporate stakeholder, participant, and community perspectives into research and evaluation design, implementation, and reporting, as appropriateDevelop and contribute to client deliverables, including analytic and technical reports, memos, issue briefs, presentations, technical assistance resources, data visualizations, and dashboardsPresent research findings and technical information to policy, practitioner, researcher, and other external audiencesDelegate and oversee research and evaluation activities to project staff and provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to support successful completion of project tasksLead and contribute to proposals and other business development activities, including helping to identify client needs and opportunities to apply or expand Mathematica’s expertiseContribute to external and internal thought leadership through publications, presentations, technical papers, articles, blog posts, webinars, or other communicationsContribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of Mathematica staffChampion Mathematica’s values, cultural fundamentals, and culture of belonging while promoting a positive workplace experience Required Qualifications Ph.D. or master’s degree with equivalent experience in a relevant field; a combination of equivalent education and work experience may be substituted for these requirementsAt least 10 years of relevant experience in research, evaluation, data analytics, health policy, or a related fieldStrong quantitative research skills and demonstrated expertise designing and conducting rigorous program or policy evaluationsExperience working with large, complex administrative data, including demonstrated ability to understand and address data quality, completeness, consistency, and other limitationsExperience integrating, linking, or aggregating multiple data sources for research and analysisKnowledge of and experience working with CMS programs, policies, and/or data; experience with CMMI is strongly preferredExperience applying or incorporating machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced analytic approaches to improve research processes, analytic efficiency, or the generation of actionable insightsDemonstrated ability to provide task and project leadership and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary teamsExcellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research methods, data issues, and findings for policy and practitioner audiencesStrong stakeholder and client management skills, including the ability to build productive relationships and facilitate discussions with diverse groupsStrong organizational skills and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and project financial targetsStrong facilitation, listening, relationship-building, and consensus-building skillsExperience working with other federal health or human services agencies is a plus 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. This position offers an anticipated base salary range of $120,000 - $160,000 on an annual basis. This position is eligible for an annual bonus target opportunity based on individual and company performance. 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.