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 health services, specifically focused on mixed methods and policy research. The successful candidate will lead tasks and/or projects for government clients in various areas such as alternative payment models, patient safety, patient experience, program evaluation, policymaking, health care quality, 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. Demonstrated experience working on health services research projects for Federal agencies such as the Innovation Center within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is required.
A hybrid work arrangement is preferred (1-2 days on-site from a Westat office). This position is also eligible for a remote work arrangement (U.S. based).
Job Responsibilities:
• Designing and implementing program monitoring and evaluation activities
• Designing and leading research projects or tasks using quantitative and/or qualitative methods
• Working in multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff
• Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs
• Managing budgets, deliverables, 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
• 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
Basic Qualifications:
• A PhD in health services, social sciences, policy, or a related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience in health services research
• Demonstrated experience designing or leading federal government contracts using qualitative and quantitative methods
• Demonstrated experience working with the Innovation Center within CMS, conducting evaluation, monitoring, or implementation activities
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams of programmers, analysts, and/or researchers
• Demonstrated experience leading or serving as writer on proposal efforts
Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience leading contracts funded by State, or local health agencies
• Demonstrated experience with survey design and analysis
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading all phases of mixed methods research
• Ability to communicate and translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences
• Experience mentoring junior staff and work collaboratively with 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 (20 days per year)
- Sick Leave (10 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
- 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
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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