Senior/Principal Researcher, Medicaid Policy and Program (Remote Eligible)

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: Benefits at a Glance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Mathematica is searching for a seasoned professional with experience leading Medicaid and CHIP programs and guiding policy development and implementation at the state level. This person will bring expertise focused on one or several of the following areas: Medicaid and CHIP and/or Marketplace eligibility and enrollment; Medicaid managed care; Medicaid health systems finance; operations, data, and systems; and/or provider reimbursement.  Ideally, this person will have prior experience as a senior state health official or comparable role in Medicaid program design and implementation at a public or private entity such as Medicaid director, disability services director, deputy director for programs, chief finance officer, chief medical officer, chief public health official, state epidemiologist, or similar position within a related program such as a Medicaid Managed Care organization or University. The successful candidate will play leadership roles in engagements for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, Medicaid and CHIP Payment Access Commission, state Medicaid agencies, and other federal and state clients.

The candidate may represent Mathematica externally at conferences, on technical expert panels, and/or as an expert witness; develop thought leadership that is based on evidence; lead technical teams as project director or subject matter expert; assure quality by performing rigorous reviews of technical proposals or final deliverables; and serve as mentor and senior advisor at Mathematica developing ways to engage staff and share knowledge.

For this opportunity, we will consider applicants at either the Senior Researcher or Principal Researcher level, depending on qualifications and experience. Candidates considered for the Principal Researcher level will typically bring deeper overall experience, a track record of leading large and complex projects or teams, and demonstrated success in business development, including client relationship management, proposal leadership, and growth activities. Candidates at the Senior Researcher level will have substantial research and project leadership experience and the potential to grow into broader strategic and business development responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Direct multidisciplinary teams to provide technical assistance, implementation support, and monitoring for projects supporting federal and state Medicaid agencies in areas of their relevant expertise.
• Within their appropriate area of expertise, provide consulting services to state and federal clients, support the development of new health policies, assist with the development of reimbursement policy to support health objectives, advise on the preparation of submissions to CMS and other approving entities, as appropriate, and support clients with the negotiations of new policies and programs when needed.
• Engage with state and federal clients to understand the challenges they face and work collaboratively with them to develop innovative solutions
• Apply rigorous analytic thinking to the collection and interpretation of quantitative data, most commonly leveraging Medicaid and CHIP administrative data
• Direct business development efforts and lead proposals for new projects
• Author project reports, memos, issue briefs, and webinar presentations and represent Mathematica to policy and professional audiences
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of staff working in the Medicaid and CHIP area, including active mentorship

Required Qualifications:

• Senior state Medicaid leader with at least 10 years of experience (Sr. Researcher) or 15 years of experience (Principal Researcher) collaborating with stakeholders to implement quality and service delivery improvements
• Master’s or doctoral degree or equivalent experience in data analytics, public health, public policy, economics, behavioral or social sciences, economics, or other relevant discipline
• Strong foundation in quantitative and/or qualitative methods and a broad understanding of health policy issues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain observations and findings to diverse stakeholder audiences including program administrators and policymakers
• Demonstrated ability to provide project leadership, coordinate the work of multidisciplinary team, and apply careful and sound judgement
• Ability to problem-solve and support other staff or clients in problem-solving
• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail; adaptability and flexibility to lead and manage multiple priorities, sometimes simultaneously, under deadlines
• Proven track record for producing high-quality deliverables and a commitment to excellence

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.

The Sr. Researcher role offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $145,000 - $160,000. The Principal Researcher role offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $150,000-$200,000. Both positions are eligible for an annual bonus 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 or 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.