Health Services Researcher, Social Sciences

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

The Health Services Researcher will assist with quantitative research projects in health policy, tobacco control policy, public health, or related fields. Main responsibilities include creating and implementing statistical programs for managing and analyzing extensive datasets, executing survey data cleaning and validation, carrying out regression analyses, and preparing technical presentations and documents. The incumbent will process and conduct statistical analyses of extensive administrative, claims, and survey data as part of academic research projects. Additionally, they will encourage collaboration within the team and maintain data integrity and security. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree required. Master’s degree in health-related research field, epidemiology, biostatistics, data science, health policy, or other related area preferred. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in public health or healthcare-related fields is required. Experience working in observational research and utilizing computers and databases to conduct analyses and interpretation of evaluation and outcome studies required. Experience with statistical programming software (SAS, Stata, or R) and Microsoft Office is required. Experience with the following databases preferred: AHRQ, Medicare, Medicaid, commercial claims, electronic health records (EHR), Census Bureau, and other sources (e.g., survey data).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide data analysis support for ongoing epidemiologic and health services research projects, including grant-funded initiatives evaluating the impact of health policies and interventions.
2. Perform statistical programming to clean and analyze survey data collected for studies.
3. Develop statistical programs to process healthcare databases using software such as Stata, SAS, and R.
4. Manipulate, combine, and refine large databases to produce data suitable for analysis.
5. Learn and train in the use of new healthcare research databases (e.g., AHRQ, Medicare, Medicaid, Electronic Health Records, commercial claims).
6. Write quality control programs to check for errors in the data, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
7. Prepare study reports, graphs, and disease-specific scorecards, and disseminate results effectively to stakeholders.
8. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare practitioners, researchers, and outcome specialists, as well as federal, state, and local agencies when needed.
9. Design studies to evaluate specific healthcare interventions.
10. Write and/or interpret methods sections for grant proposals and research studies.
11. Assist in preparing posters and presentations for national and local scientific meetings.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrates expertise in using analytic software such as SAS, Stata, R, and Python.
• Ability to conceptualize and perform data analysis with proficiency in generating custom reports; expertise in Excel is essential.
• Highly detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and precision in data handling and analysis.
• Self-motivated and self-directed, capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong ability to manage projects independently and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Contributes to a collaborative work atmosphere, fostering teamwork and cooperation among colleagues.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Clean, comfortable office environment.
• Schedule varies according to business requirements.