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Principal Researcher/Senior Fellow - Public Health (Remote Eligible)

Job ID 2152

Position Description:

About Mathematica:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of technology, 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 technology and advanced 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. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance 

About the opportunity:

Mathematica is searching for several seasoned professional who are recognized experts with experience leading public health programs at the state and/or local level to join our growing state practice. This person will bring expertise focused on one or several of the following areas: public health program and systems transformation, public health program administration, epidemiology, public health surveillance and data collection, development of local public health programs and interventions, or the financing of public health systems and operations through the braiding and blending of federal, state, and local funds.  Ideally, this person will have prior experience as a senior state health official or comparable role in public health program design, improvement, and transformation at a public or private entity such as agency director, deputy director for programs, chief finance officer, chief medical officer, chief public health official, state epidemiologist, or similar position. The successful candidates will join our Health division to play leadership roles in engagements primarily for state and local agencies and may support our federal and foundations clients.

The candidate may represent Mathematica externally at conferences, on technical expert panels, and/or as an expert witness; develop thought leadership that is based on evidence; lead technical teams as project director or subject matter expert; assure quality by performing rigorous reviews of technical proposals or final deliverables; and serve as mentor and senior advisor at Mathematica developing ways to engage staff and share knowledge.

Responsibilities:
  • Direct multidisciplinary teams to provide technical assistance, implementation support, and monitoring for projects supporting state and local health, human services, and Medicaid agencies in areas of their relevant expertise.
  • Withing their appropriate area of expertise, provide consulting services to state and local clients, support the development of new health policies, assist with the development of reimbursement policy to support health objectives, advise on the preparation of submissions to federal payers such as the Centers for Disease Control, Administration for Children and Families, and other approving entities, as appropriate, and support clients with the negotiations of new policies and programs when needed
  • Engage with state and federal clients to understand the challenges they face and work collaboratively with them to develop innovative solutions
  • Apply rigorous analytic thinking to the collection and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data
  • Direct business development efforts and lead proposals for new projects
  • Author project reports, memos, technical assistance tools, issue briefs, and webinar presentations and represent Mathematica to policy and professional audiences
  • Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of staff conducting work related to payment reform, including active mentorship
About the team:

The State Health and Medicaid practice is one of six that comprise our Health Unit. The successful candidate will join our group of over 800 health policy professionals in the Unit, including staff with degrees in data analytics, public health, public policy, economics, behavioral or social sciences, and other relevant disciplines. We offer our employees a stimulating team-oriented work environment. We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work.

Position Requirements:

  • 10/+ years of experience (Principal Researcher) or 15/+ years of experience (Senior Fellow) in health policy or health research, with a substantial portion of that time related to some aspect of the Medicaid program at the state or federal level
  • Master’s or doctoral degree or equivalent experience in data analytics, public health, public policy, economics, behavioral or social sciences, economics, or other relevant discipline
  • Strong foundation in quantitative and/or qualitative methods and a broad understanding of health policy issues
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain observations and findings to diverse stakeholder audiences including program administrators and policymakers
  • Demonstrated ability to provide project leadership and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary team
  • Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail; flexibility to lead and manage multiple priorities, sometimes simultaneously, under deadlines

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary expectations at the time of your application.

These positions offer an anticipated base salary range of $150,000 - $200,000 annually (Principal Researcher) and $180,000 - $220,000 annually (Senior Fellow). Both positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance.

Staff in our Health unit will eventually work with our largest client, Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). Most staff working on CMS contracts will be required to complete a successful background investigation including the Questionnaire for Public Trust Position SF-85. Staff that are unable to successfully undergo the background investigation will need to be able to obtain work outside CMS. Staff will work with their supervisor to get re-staffed, however if they are unable to do so it may result in employment termination due to lack of work.

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Available locations: Washington, DC; Princeton, NJ; Cambridge, MA; Oakland, CA; Ann Arbor, MI; Remote

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

Although Mathematica does not require vaccination from COVID-19 as a condition of employment, various projects or agencies may require documentation of vaccination (or an approved exception/accommodation).

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.

One of Mathematica’s core values is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our work is more robust because it is informed by a variety of diverse perspectives, and our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by a greater understanding of issues and challenges facing the populations we serve. Mathematica’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our everyday actions, policies, and practices—including decisions regarding recruitment, training, compensation, and promotion. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

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If you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete any part of the application or interview process (if selected), you can request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department humanresources@mathematica-mpr.com or [609-799-3535|]. Accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.