Sr. Researcher, Healthcare Evaluation (Remote Eligible)

Sr. Researcher, Healthcare Evaluation (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: 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 clients
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, providing the direction, organization, and coordination necessary to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget
• Design and implement rigorous research and evaluation approaches to address complex health policy and program questions
• Work with large and complex administrative data sources, including CMS data, to assess programs, policies, outcomes, and implementation
• Assess data quality and fitness for use, identify and address limitations in administrative data, and guide appropriate interpretation of findings
• Lead and contribute to efforts to integrate, link, and aggregate multiple data sources to support research and decision making
• Apply advanced quantitative methods to analyze data and answer research and policy questions
• Explore and apply machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other emerging analytic approaches to improve research efficiency, accelerate the generation of insights, and support client decision making
• Assess the strength of study designs and existing evidence and contribute to evidence reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, as appropriate
• Translate complex research methods, data considerations, and findings into clear and actionable information for policymakers, program administrators, practitioners, and other audiences
• Collaborate closely with clients and other stakeholders to understand their needs, communicate project progress and findings, and inform program and policy decisions
• Incorporate stakeholder, participant, and community perspectives into research and evaluation design, implementation, and reporting, as appropriate
• Develop and contribute to client deliverables, including analytic and technical reports, memos, issue briefs, presentations, technical assistance resources, data visualizations, and dashboards
• Present research findings and technical information to policy, practitioner, researcher, and other external audiences
• Delegate and oversee research and evaluation activities to project staff and provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to support successful completion of project tasks
• Lead and contribute to proposals and other business development activities, including helping to identify client needs and opportunities to apply or expand Mathematica’s expertise
• Contribute to external and internal thought leadership through publications, presentations, technical papers, articles, blog posts, webinars, or other communications
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of Mathematica staff
• Champion Mathematica’s values, cultural fundamentals, and culture of belonging while promoting a positive workplace experience

• 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 requirements
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in research, evaluation, data analytics, health policy, or a related field
• Strong quantitative research skills and demonstrated expertise designing and conducting rigorous program or policy evaluations
• Experience working with large, complex administrative data, including demonstrated ability to understand and address data quality, completeness, consistency, and other limitations
• Experience integrating, linking, or aggregating multiple data sources for research and analysis
• Knowledge of and experience working with CMS programs, policies, and/or data; experience with CMMI is strongly preferred
• Experience applying or incorporating machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced analytic approaches to improve research processes, analytic efficiency, or the generation of actionable insights
• Demonstrated ability to provide task and project leadership and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research methods, data issues, and findings for policy and practitioner audiences
• Strong stakeholder and client management skills, including the ability to build productive relationships and facilitate discussions with diverse groups
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and project financial targets
• Strong facilitation, listening, relationship-building, and consensus-building skills
• Experience 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. 

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.