About the position
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. We currently have openings for Research Associates with a strong interest in managing and evaluating federal, state, or foundation health policy and programs. The research associate role blends research, technical assistance, and management. As such, we are seeking prospective employees with a passion for conducting health policy and health services research and an interest in improving government operations and health care delivery. In particular, we are looking for individuals who can support current and emerging work across any number of areas such as: disability, population health, mental health and substance use, value-based purchasing and alternative payment models, measures of delivery and quality of services for beneficiaries, quality improvement, data analytics, and outcomes of innovative programs and policies. 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 candidates with an interest in health policy and health services research, and who enjoy working in a collaborative environment that emphasizes quality, rigor, and critical thinking to apply. Research associates work across multiple policy areas, typically on 3-4 projects at a time in roles requiring team management and occasionally direct client contact. Across all projects, Research Associates are expected to perform a combination of the following types of tasks: Support project management tasks, such as creating agendas, note-taking, and managing project deliverables. Typical tasks include monitoring project deliverables, managing agendas, and scheduling and taking notes during meetings. Learn complex policies and develop subject matter knowledge to serve in research-oriented roles that complement their project or task management assignments. Assist with interview scheduling, note-taking, and other qualitative data collection activities, such as in-depth substantive or cognitive interviews, site visits, and focus groups. Compile and track project information in spreadsheets and databases. Perform literature searches and reviews and abstract and synthesize information from program or regulatory documents, reports, and articles. Support quantitative and/or qualitative analyses, including cleaning, organizing, summarizing information using descriptive statistics, tables, and figures and analyzing data. Support administration and oversight of survey tasks, such as preparing training materials, delivering training, and performing quality control activities. Contribute to reports, issue briefs, client memos, and technical assistance tools.
Responsibilities
- Support project management tasks, such as creating agendas, note-taking, and managing project deliverables.
- Learn complex policies and develop subject matter knowledge to serve in research-oriented roles that complement their project or task management assignments.
- Assist with interview scheduling, note-taking, and other qualitative data collection activities, such as in-depth substantive or cognitive interviews, site visits, and focus groups.
- Compile and track project information in spreadsheets and databases.
- Perform literature searches and reviews and abstract and synthesize information from program or regulatory documents, reports, and articles.
- Support quantitative and/or qualitative analyses, including cleaning, organizing, summarizing information using descriptive statistics, tables, and figures and analyzing data.
- Support administration and oversight of survey tasks, such as preparing training materials, delivering training, and performing quality control activities.
- Contribute to reports, issue briefs, client memos, and technical assistance tools.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in the social sciences, public policy, or health-related field with an excellent academic record.
- 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.
- Interest in improving and researching government programs or providing technical assistance to health care entities.
Nice-to-haves
- Knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
- Experience with management tools, such as Microsoft Project, Confluence, SharePoint, and Jira.
- Experience working with a federal or state agency, foundations, or other health care entities is highly desirable.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- Opportunities for professional development
- Flexible work environment
