Research Associate, State/Local Government (Remote eligible; West Coast preferred)

Research Associate, State/Local Government (Remote eligible; West Coast preferred)

About Mathematica:
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.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

We are currently seeking Research Associates who are located the West Coast region of the U.S. (California, Oregon, Washington, and nearby). In particular, we are seeking individuals who can support current and emerging work across any number of areas such as value-based purchasing and alternative payment models, quality improvement, data analytics, and outcomes of innovative programs and policies, especially for state-level programs and initiatives. Candidates do not need to have experience in all these areas, but should have academic or professional experience in at least one of them.

We encourage applications from candidates with an interest in health policy, project coordination, and who enjoy working in a collaborative environment that emphasizes quality, rigor, and critical thinking. Research Associates work across multiple policy areas, typically on 2-3 projects at a time in roles requiring collaboration, coordination, and direct client interaction.

Across all projects, Research Associates may:

• Learn complex policies and develop subject matter knowledge to serve in research-oriented roles that complement their project assignments.
• Perform literature searches and reviews and abstract and synthesize information from program or regulatory documents, reports, and articles.
• Support project coordination tasks, such as creating agendas, scheduling meetings, note-taking, and managing project deliverables
• Support data analyses, including cleaning, organizing, and summarizing information using descriptive statistics, tables, and figures and analyzing data.
• Provide technical assistance to grantees, programs, and government agencies on using research methods and/or evidence-based quality improvement.
• Compile and track information in spreadsheets and databases (for example, Microsoft SharePoint, Excel, and Project Professional) and report action-oriented findings to the project team, the client, or both.
• Contribute to reports, briefs, memos, and technical assistance tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in the social sciences, public policy, business, or health-related field
• Data analysis experience and use of statistical software programming packages such as R, Python, Stata, or SAS
• Data visualization experience and exposure to tools used to support data visualization, such as Tableau, Power BI, or Excel
• Strong management and organizational skills, especially an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and a high level of attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and self-directed, with strong interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Some travel may be required

Additional desired skills and experience:

• Experience with project management tools
• Interest or experience working with a federal or state agency, foundations, or other health care entities is highly desirable
• An interest in improving and researching government programs or providing technical assistance to health care entities

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary of $57,000-$65,000 annually.

Currently, Mathematica's largest client is Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Most staff working on CMS contracts will be required to complete a successful background investigation including the Questionnaire for Public Trust Position SF-85. Staff that are unable to successfully undergo the background investigation will need to be able to obtain work outside CMS. Staff will work with their supervisor to get re-staffed, however if they are unable to do so it may result in employment termination due to lack of work.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you're not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it's an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.