Senior Research Scientist to Lead Policy Analysis on Medicare Alternative Payment Models - Hybrid Office or Remote

JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago seeks a qualified Senior Research Scientist to provide technical, policy, and analytic support to a federal advisory committee focused on alternative payment models and associated care delivery models.

The Senior Research Scientist will lead policy analyses, including qualitative and/or quantitative analyses, and produce substantive client-focused deliverables such as environmental scans and technical reports. Further, this person will conduct and lead research activities, direct staff, and serve as a content knowledge expert on a variety of topics related to alternative payment and care delivery mechanisms. Over time, the Senior Research Scientist may also lead other program and policy projects related to Medicare and Medicaid, including projects involving policy analysis, focus groups, literature reviews, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (e.g., health care providers, insurers, policymakers, and patients), and quantitative analysis.

NORC recognizes that talented and skilled researchers live throughout the U.S. and supports remote work arrangements.  Quarterly trips to the DC office will be required. For those interested in hybrid work schedules, our main offices are Washington, DC and Chicago, IL.

DEPARTMENT: Health Care Evaluation Research

NORC’s expertise and ongoing work in health care delivery and financing — including access to insurance, payment and delivery-system reform, benefit design, and quality measurement — advance stakeholders’ understanding of policies and programs, facilitate implementation, and contribute to important improvements in cost and quality.

NORC’s expert staff has extensive knowledge of all aspects of health care delivery, from private marketplaces and employer-sponsored insurance to Medicare and Medicaid; from large health care systems to small clinics; and from the needs of children to those of older adults, people with disabilities, and ethnic and racial minorities. Our expert team includes social scientists that acquire, collect, and analyze data from health care organizations and patients; evaluators; health services researchers; health policy analysts; and professionals with first-hand experience running and supporting health care programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide consultative policy analysis, evaluation expertise, and technical and operational support for federal clients focused on key domains of health services research, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, payment and delivery system reform, population heath, health care quality, and social determinants of health.
• Lead the development of well-written and accurate research and technical reports, including policy documents and environmental scans.
• Lead, design, and conduct qualitative and quantitative research studies, including environmental scans, evaluations, and semi-structured interviews.
• Manage multiple concurrent work streams and project staff.
• Manage contract work and engage with clients to ensure that contractual requirements (deliverables and timelines) and client expectations are met using the highest standards of quality and collegiality.
• Collaborate effectively with junior and senior staff, and contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture.
• Independently draft and manage contract proposals and grant applications, communicating effectively with clients, consultants, and members of the policy and research community.
• Participate in and contribute to internal discussions and strategic thinking concerning future research opportunities and the implications of ongoing policy making for NORC.
• Co-author and present research at client and professional meetings and participate in in-person briefings of project findings. Contribute to the development of abstracts and articles for publication in refereed journals.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff.
• Monitor and oversee the financial and administrative aspects of ongoing projects.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Doctoral or Master’s degree in health services research, public policy, or related fields (training in an array of social science disciplines will be considered). PhD preferred.
• At least 9 years’ experience (with Master’s degree) in positions of increasing responsibility in evaluation research, policy analysis, or related field, including at least 3 years of social science project management. Advanced graduate degrees can substitute for years of experience.
• Knowledge of the Medicare program, including provider payment and delivery system re