What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Research Associate position at Westat?
Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Westat is seeking a Principal Research Associate with expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis, learning systems/learning collaboratives, and technical assistance to lead tasks and/or projects for government clients in various health services research areas such as patient safety, patient experience and engagement, alternative payment models, program evaluation, policymaking, health informatics, health care quality, measure and tool development, survey research and statistical analysis. Principal Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as project director, project manager, task lead or as an advisor on projects.
Job Responsibilities:
• Designing and leading research projects or tasks using qualitative and/or quantitative methods
• Leading multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff
• Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs
• Managing project budgets and timelines
• Reviewing work products to ensure the highest quality
• Managing and overseeing the work of subcontractors, as needed
• Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences
• Facilitating virtual and in-person collaborative events, including webinars and affinity groups
• Designing or implementing a learning plan or curriculum
• Delivering customized technical assistance or support
• Leading literature reviews, interviews, or focus groups to produce memos, reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables
• Participating in the development of technical proposals for government clients and working on business development activities
Basic Qualifications:
• A master's degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience or a Ph.D. with 5 or more years of relevant experience with a degree in social sciences, public health or a related field.
• Experience designing, leading, or facilitating activities related to training and technical assistance
• Demonstrated experience working on learning system-related contracts with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation; experience with other agencies such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is highly desirable
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with training and technical assistance for federal government contracts
• Experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies
• Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences
• Ability to engage and mentor more junior staff and work collaboratively with more senior staff
• Demonstrated attention to detail and quality assurance
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Westat is seeking a Principal Research Associate with expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis, learning systems/learning collaboratives, and technical assistance to lead tasks and/or projects for government clients in various health services research areas such as patient safety, patient experience and engagement, alternative payment models, program evaluation, policymaking, health informatics, health care quality, measure and tool development, survey research and statistical analysis. Principal Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as project director, project manager, task lead or as an advisor on projects.
Job Responsibilities:
• Designing and leading research projects or tasks using qualitative and/or quantitative methods
• Leading multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff
• Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs
• Managing project budgets and timelines
• Reviewing work products to ensure the highest quality
• Managing and overseeing the work of subcontractors, as needed
• Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences
• Facilitating virtual and in-person collaborative events, including webinars and affinity groups
• Designing or implementing a learning plan or curriculum
• Delivering customized technical assistance or support
• Leading literature reviews, interviews, or focus groups to produce memos, reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables
• Participating in the development of technical proposals for government clients and working on business development activities
Basic Qualifications:
• A master's degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience or a Ph.D. with 5 or more years of relevant experience with a degree in social sciences, public health or a related field.
• Experience designing, leading, or facilitating activities related to training and technical assistance
• Demonstrated experience working on learning system-related contracts with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation; experience with other agencies such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is highly desirable
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with training and technical assistance for federal government contracts
• Experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies
• Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences
• Ability to engage and mentor more junior staff and work collaboratively with more senior staff
• Demonstrated attention to detail and quality assurance
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
- Sick Leave
- Holiday Leave
- 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
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
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