Principal Research Associate - Economist Health...

29244BR Job Title: Principal Research Associate - Economist Health Services - Remote Elig Location: MD - Bethesda Job Description: 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. Westat is seeking a Principal Research Associate, Economist with expertise in health services and policy research. The successful candidate will lead tasks and/or projects for government clients in various areas such as implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of alternative payment models; health care-related program evaluation; policymaking; health care quality; survey research; public reporting; and statistical analysis. Principal Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as project director, project manager, or task lead on projects. Demonstrated experience working on health services research projects and value-based care topics for Federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is required. While this position is remote eligible, onsite collaboration is highly valued. Preference will be given to local candidates who are able to join colleagues in a Westat office at least one day a week, fostering teamwork and collective engagement. Job Responsibilities + Designing and executing program implementation, monitoring, and/or evaluation activities • Designing and leading projects or tasks using quantitative methods + Interacting with clients and being responsive to client needs + Managing deliverables and timelines • Developing and implementing quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy of data and analyses + Disseminating research findings to a variety of audiences + Serving as technical lead or writer on proposals for government clients and contributing to business development activities + Working in multidisciplinary teams with varying technical backgrounds/skills/experience + Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously Please include a cover letter when submitting your application. Basic Qualifications + PhD in a quantitative discipline, such as economics, health services, social sciences, policy, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience in health services research + Demonstrated experience working with the CMS Innovation Center conducting implementation, monitoring, or evaluation, or monitoring activities + Demonstrated experience leading or conducting analysis using Medicare and/or Medicaid claims and administrative data, using Python, SQL, R, Databricks, SAS, and/or Stata. + Demonstrated experience working with multidisciplinary teams of programmers, analysts, and/or researchers Preferred Qualifications + Demonstrated experience leading contracts funded by the federal government + Demonstrated experience leading or serving as a technical writer on proposal efforts + Demonstrated experience designing analytic methodology and developing analytic data files for mixed methods research Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in: + 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) + 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 Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position. This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsor