Health Policy Research Scientist

The Scientist will become an integral team member at the UW Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) for the evaluation of the SeniorCare Pharmaceutical Benefit for Low-Income Seniors program. The SeniorCare program and its evaluation is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Medicaid Services. The purpose of the SeniorCare program is to provide discounted drug coverage to older adults not currently receiving full Medicaid benefits to help delay or prevent 1) future enrollment into Medicaid, and 2) more serious and expensive health services.

The Scientist will evaluate the SeniorCare programs' drug utilization including indicators of medication adherence and high-risk medication use. Drug expenditure data will be used to measure financial hardship for members as well as cost savings to the Medicaid program. Avoidable health outcomes will be measured including nursing home and other long-term care use. The Scientist will assist with cleaning and preparing Medicaid and Medicare claims data; consult on research methodologies based on analytic plans from the investigators; prepare analytic code for dissemination; prepare output tables; prepare analytic findings; and assist investigators with writing evaluation reports to the Wisconsin DHS and for scholarly publications.

In this role, the Scientist will:

• Analyze large complex research data sets including Medicaid and Medicare health care claims.
• Analyze data using causal inference analytic techniques to determine differences in pharmaceutical drug utilization and health outcomes between treatment and comparison groups.
• Document analysis code and results according to established policies and procedures for research transparency, standardization, and replication.
• Conduct literature reviews to support and enhance analysis plans and report preparation.
• Execute and provide consultation on analysis plans to measure changes in pharmaceutical drug utilization and expenditures.
• Prepare analysis findings for presentation in reports and publications.
• Assist investigators with the writing of evaluation reports and scholarly publications in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information.

• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility

• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures

• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

College of Letters & Science | Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP)

The typical starting salary for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

• Quantitative statistical analysis skills in economics or related field utilizing statistical analysis packages (such as SPSS, SAS, R, Python or STATA) measuring longitudinal trend changes relative to comparison groups
• Minimum two years of experience with data management and statistical data analysis
• Experience utilizing and managing large databases and especially experience with tools for working with large data sets
• Familiarity with causal inference methods for observational studies, such as difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, and instrumental variables

• Experience with Medicaid and/or Medicare claims data
• Previous research experience focusing on pharmaceutical use

Ph.D. required in health services research, economics, pharmacy, or a related field

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.

You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

-Resume

-Letter of Qualifications/Cover Letter

Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications/cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field.

Once finalists are identified, they will be asked to provide names and contact information for at least three professional references, including a current/former supervisor. References will not be contacted without advanced notice.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Tim Connor, tgconnor@wisc.edu

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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