Research Analyst - Health

Position Description:

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.

About the opportunity: 

We are inviting health analysts to join us in contributing to domestic health policy projects. Our current work includes a wide range of topics in health care service delivery and financing, quality measures, and health systems change. Health analysts work on a variety of projects spanning policy and programmatic areas as well as program evaluation and implementation support.

Example projects include:

• Evaluating the implementation and impact of Medicare and Medicaid innovation initiatives aimed at expanding access to care, improving health care quality, promoting health outcomes, or reducing costs
• Studying the effects of multi payer delivery system innovations on health care access, quality, health outcomes, and costs
• Analyzing, designing, and producing large federal health insurance program datasets and reporting systems
• Designing and implementing state-of-the-art methods to measure service utilization and quality of care in support of value-based payment reforms
• Assessing the quality of health care in publicly sponsored insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare
• Designing efficient and effective payment models and delivery systems
• Contributing to the development, testing, and maintenance of quality measures
• Providing technical assistance and learning support for stakeholders, such as policymakers and health care providers
• Working with states to address Medicaid payment reform initiatives and multi-payer proposals, improving health service delivery
• Conducting analysis and studies on COVID-19 impacts on patient populations and provider services

Analysts typically work on more than one project at a time and are matched to projects that suit their interests and skills, and offer opportunities for professional growth. They participate in key project activities, which vary by project and may include:

• Assisting with quantitative analyses using large databases to determine program outcomes or to conduct policy simulations, including summarizing data quality issues, working with programming staff to clean the data, and helping to define analysis specifications and output formats
• Developing specifications, user manuals, and other documentations for reporting systems and analytic tools
• Participating in interviews or site visits to assess the implementation and cost of state, federal, and local health care programs
• Supporting analysis of qualitative data collected from interviews, site visits, or other data collection efforts
• Providing technical assistance to state and federal health agencies or health care providers (for example, by designing webinars or responding to questions from providers/stakeholders)
• Reviewing and summarizing the literature on current health policy topics
• Drafting client memos, issue briefs, chapters of analytic reports, and proposals for new projects
• Assisting with timeline management, cost-tracking, and budget estimates

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public policy, economics, statistics, public health, social work, a social science, or a related field, or equivalent experience in a clinical research field
• Strong analytic skills, including knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative analytic research methods
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to write clear and concise technical memos and documents and accessible stakeholder-facing memos, briefs, and presentation materials
• Ability to complete tasks on tight deadlines without compromising quality
• Ability to support projects with an operational focus and balance competing priorities
• Experience working with a state or federal government, foundation, policy research organization, or health care program is highly desirable
• Knowledge of Medicare or Medicaid policies and programs, and/or experience working with Medicare or Medicaid eligibility and claims data is a plus
• Position may involve up to 25% travel
• Candidates with post-graduate, relevant professional experience in priority policy areas, such as Medicare or Medicaid, are encouraged to apply.

Please attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample that demonstrates analytic and research skills and reflects independent analysis and writing (such as a thesis or position paper).

Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance before working on certain projects. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance.

All candidates who apply by March 17, 2023 will receive full consideration. 

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $70,000-$95,000. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance.

Available locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Oakland, CA; Ann Arbor, MI; Chicago, IL; Woodlawn, MD; Remote