Principal Research Associate - Health Services

26813BR

Job Title:

Principal Research Associate - Health Services

Location:

MD - Rockville

Job Description:

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.

Job Summary:

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 alternative payment models, patient safety, patient experience and engagement, 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); the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is highly desirable.

Hybrid 1-2 days per week preferred, remote work arrangement also available.

Job Responsibilities:

• 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.

• Designing and leading research projects or tasks using qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

• Working in multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff.

• Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs.

• Managing 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.

• Conducting literature reviews, interviews, or focus groups to produce memos, reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables.

• Writing technical proposals for government clients and working on business development activities.

Basic Qualifications:

• A master's degree in social sciences, public health, or a related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in learning systems/learning collaboratives, technical assistance, and qualitative data collection and analysis; or a Ph.D. in social sciences, public health, or a related field with 5 or more years of relevant experience in learning systems/learning collaboratives, technical assistance, and qualitative data collection and analysis.

• Demonstrated experience designing, leading, or facilitating activities related to training and technical assistance.

• Demonstrated experience working with the Innovation Center within CMS, conducting learning, technical assistance, or education and outreach activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with training and technical assistance for federal government contracts.

• Demonstrated experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies.

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.

• 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 plus 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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Job ID:

26813BR

Career Area:

Research - Health Studies

Pay Range:

The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000K - $130,000K and will be commensurate with experience.

Bonus Eligibility:

yes