Job Description
Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.
Job Summary
Westat is seeking a Senior Research Associate with expertise in technical assistance and implementation/operations to lead tasks supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' alternative payment models. Senior Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as task leads, project managers, or task contributors. Demonstrated experience working on health services research projects for Federal agencies such as the Innovation Center within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is highly desirable.
While this position is remote eligible, onsite collaboration is highly valued. Preference will be given to local candidates who are able to join colleagues in a Westat office at least one day a week, fostering teamwork and collective engagement.
Job Responsibilities
* Facilitating virtual events, including webinars and office hours
* Delivering customized technical assistance resources and support
* Designing and leading research projects or tasks using qualitative and/or quantitative methods
* Working in multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff
* Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs
* Manage a team by making assignments, monitoring timelines, identifying next steps, and conducting quality assurance
* Developing and executing processes for tracking operational needs using Excel or Smartsheet and reporting on status regularly
* Establishing protocols, standard operating procedures, specifications, and other process and quality assurance documentation
* Coordinating with subcontractors and other contractors, as needed
* Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
* Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences
* Drafting memos, reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables
* Writing technical proposals for government clients and working on business development activities
Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.
Basic Qualifications
* A master's degree in social sciences, public health, public policy, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant experience in technical assistance, process-oriented implementation or technical support, and qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis; or a Ph.D. in social sciences, public health, public policy or a related field with 2 or more years of relevant experience in technical assistance, process-oriented implementation or technical support, and qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis
* Experience designing, leading, or facilitating activities related to technical assistance, outreach, and operational processes
* Experience with implementation/operations, technical assistance, technical support, or education and outreach to support federal government health programs through federal government contracts
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience working with the Innovation Center within CMS, on implementation, technical assistance, technical support, or education and outreach activities
* Experience with Medicare or Medicaid policy, such as value-based care, payment reform, or care delivery improvement
* Experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies
* Experience translating CMS Innovation Center model policies, model participant needs, and operational needs into requirements for Innovation Center IT systems.
* Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences
* Demonstrated ability mentoring more junior staff and working collaboratively with more senior staff
* Excellent attention to detail and quality assurance
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
- Sick Leave (9 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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Westat
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, parental leave, vacation time, sick time, short term disability, long term disability, 401(k), retirement plan
Mar 13, 2026