Quantitative Researcher - Public Health, Healthcare Evaluation, & Disability

Quantitative Researcher - Public Health, Healthcare Evaluation, & Disability

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 hiring researchers with specific expertise in quantitative research methods, causal inference, and policy research, who will conduct studies and support program evaluation in the areas of public health, healthcare, and disability.
The researchers will support project teams in the planning and execution of rigorous, data-driven research project for clients such as: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Health Resources & Services Administration the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, leading health foundations, and numerous state and local agencies 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 reports, present findings to policy and professional audiences, and publish in professional journals
• Help develop proposals for new research projects
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of other research staf

• 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 PhD, a Masters’ degree with coursework in causal inference and demonstrated experience applying it to research will be considered equivalent.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills. Training in causal inference methodologies is strongly preferred.
• Broad understanding of health policy issues in the United States
• Experience using health care and public health data sources (e.g., health care claims, 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 a practitioner and policy audience.
• 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.

This role offers an anticipated base salary of $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This position is eligible for an annual bonus target opportunity based on individual and company performance. 

Application instructions and timeline information:

Please submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and a relevant work or writing sample. Letters of recommendation will be requested for candidates who advance to the final stage of interviews. Letters of recommendation should be sent to TalentAcquisition@mathematica-mpr.com. 

We anticipate accepting applications through Friday, August 21, 2026.; however, the application deadline may be extended if necessary.

Ideally, the selected candidate(s) will begin in October 2026. 

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.

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.