Principal Research Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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.
Job Summary:
Westat has an immediate opening for a Principal Research Associate conducting healthcare analytics, statistical programming, reporting, and task management. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team primarily on contracts supporting the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
This is a full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement at our corporate headquarters (1-2 days per week) in Bethesda.
Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.
Job Responsibilities:

• Serve in various technical roles using data transformation, extract-transform-load (ETL), and quantitative research methods for a variety of large, complex projects for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other federal clients.
• Independently conduct programming and analysis activities using SQL, Python, R, and Databricks to ingest, link, clean, create, and manipulate complex datasets including Medicare/Medicaid claims and administrative data.
• Conduct quantitative analysis, interpret results, and prepare internal and client reports.
• Conduct quality assurance of other technical staff members' technical specifications, documentation, analytic code, and output.
• Communicate quantitative results verbally and in writing for a variety of internal and external audiences. Participate in business development activities, as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• A master's degree in a relevant discipline and 8+ years of related experience, or a bachelor's degree and 15+ years of related experience.
• Experience conducting health services research independently and on multidisciplinary teams.
• Quantitative analytic expertise using SQL, SAS, R, Python, and/or Databricks.
• Experience working with Medicare claims and other Medicare administrative data related to beneficiaries, providers, and provider enrollment such as Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS).
• Experience working in the CMS IDR-C and Databricks environments.
• Experience working on contracts for CMMI.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on contracts to support CMMI implementation and monitoring of alternative payment models.
• Task leadership experience.
• Ability to summarize or synthesize information for different audiences and purposes.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to coordinate completion of projects and tasks.

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  (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave  (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year)
• 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 sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

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, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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