The Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC) in Washington, D.C. is seeking a full-time or part-time Health Data Specialist/Research Analyst to help develop and manage health databases, manage public use files and other data dissemination efforts, monitor survey data collection activities, and perform other data responsibilities. In addition, the Data Specialist/Research Analyst will participate in quantitative research projects on how the health system is changing and the effects of these changes on cost, quality, access, and service delivery.
The Center for Studying Health System Change
Founded in 1995, the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC) is a nationally renowned nonpartisan policy research organization focused on the cost, quality and accessibility of health care in the United States. HSC conducts quantitative research using large national data sets, including surveys of households and physicians, and qualitative research using information gathered in telephone and in-person interviews of public- and private-sector decision makers. Instead of advocating for particular policies, HSC serves as an honest broker of information for policy makers, the news media, employers, health care providers, insurers and the public. HSC, funded principally by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is affiliated with Mathematica Policy Research Inc., a leader in evaluating the effectiveness of local, state and federal health, human services and educational programs. More information on HSC's activities is available at WWW.HSCHANGE.ORG.
Responsibilities
The Health Data Specialist/Research Analyst is responsible for many data management, administrative, and quality assurance tasks. The Data Specialist coordinates the development of survey instruments, participates in survey management, and works with a data contractor to oversee the development and management of large survey databases. The Data Specialist makes the data files accessible to the public by overseeing the development of public and restricted used files and web-based data dissemination. For smaller surveys, the Data Specialist creates in-house database and analysis files using SPSS, SAS or STATA. The Data Specialist also is responsible for managing the acquisition of administrative data files (e.g., Medicare claims) that may be used in conjunction with survey data. Other data responsibilities include coordination of data use agreements and institutional review board (IRB) approvals. The Data Specialist also participates in writing proposals, developing budgets, and tracking project costs. The Data Specialist may prepare memos evaluating components of data projects, outlining problems, options, and solutions for action by senior staff.
The Health Data Specialist/Research Analyst also participates in quantitative research projects. The Research Analyst works with senior researchers to formulate research topics, develop analysis plans, and identify appropriate data sources and quantitative/statistical methods; conducts literature reviews; works with programmers to generate data for analysis; collaborates with senior research staff in analyzing the results; and drafts issue briefs, journal articles, and other reports.
Research activities are expected to comprise approximately 30-50 percent of the activities of this position, but may vary depending on current HSC priorities. In addition to full-time applicants, HSC also will consider qualified part-time applicants who are available at least 50 percent time.
Qualifications
- Masters degree in economics, public policy, public health, statistics, or related discipline with superior academic record
- Background and strong interest in health policy research
- Strong statistical and quantitative skills
- At least two years work experience managing and analyzing large data sets, with at least one year work experience programming large data sets in SAS, STATA or SPSS
- Excellent computer skills overall
- Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to work efficiently, accurately and independently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and keen ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with others
- Not required but preferred: Familiarity with health-related administrative data sets such as Medicare claims or private insurer claims
The Center for Studying Health System Change offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, transcripts, and three references via our online system: http://careers.mathematica-mpr.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=50803
HSC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer