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 - 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, task lead or as an advisor 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.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (1 day per week onsite, flexible hours). Remote work arrangements will also be considered. Some travel for team meetings, project work, and conferences may be required. Westat's headquarters is currently in Rockville, Maryland but will be relocating to Bethesda, Maryland in the fall of 2025.

Job Responsibilities:

• Designing and executing program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities
• Designing and leading research projects or tasks using quantitative methods
• Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs
• Managing budgets, deliverables, and timelines
• Reviewing work products to ensure the highest quality
• 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, including leading capture efforts with senior leadership oversight
• Working in multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff
• Managing and overseeing the work of subcontractors, as needed
• Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in economics, health services, social sciences, policy, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant experience in health services research
• Demonstrated experience working with CMS conducting evaluation, monitoring, and implementation activities
• Demonstrated experience leading analysis using Medicare and/or Medicaid claims data
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams of programmers, analysts, and/or researchers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading contracts funded by State, or local health agencies
• Demonstrated experience leading or serving as writer on proposal efforts
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading all phases of mixed methods research
Other Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences
• Ability to mentor more junior staff and work collaboratively with more senior staff
• Excellent 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 Plan401(k) Retirement PlanPaid Parental LeaveVacation Leave (20 days per year)Sick Leave (10 days per year)Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)Professional DevelopmentHealth AdvocateEmployee Assistance ProgramTravel Accident InsuranceMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceShort Term Disability InsuranceLong Term Disability InsuranceLife and AD&D InsuranceCritical Illness InsuranceSupplemental Life InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

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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