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.
Westat is seeking a Principal Research Associate with expertise in technical assistance and communications to lead tasks and/or projects for government clients in various health services research areas such as alternative payment models, patient safety, patient experience and engagement, program evaluation, policymaking, health care quality, survey research, and statistical analysis. Principal Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as task leads, project manager, or as an advisor on projects. 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
- Designing and/or implementing a technical assistance plan or curriculum
- Delivering customized technical assistance resources and support (e.g., reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables)
- Facilitating virtual and in-person technical assistance or learning events, including webinars or affinity groups
- Leading communication activities to announce or explain policy updates (e.g., email blasts, help desk management, library oversight)
- Leading multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff
- Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs
- Managing budgets and timelines
- Reviewing work products to ensure the highest quality
- Managing and overseeing the work of subcontractors, as needed
- Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
- Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences
- Conducting literature reviews, interviews, or focus groups to produce memos
- 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, communications, public health, public policy, or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant experience in learning systems/learning collaboratives, communications, technical assistance, and qualitative data collection and analysis; or a Ph.D. in social sciences, communications, public health, public policy or a related field with 5 or more years of relevant experience in learning systems/learning collaboratives, communications, technical assistance, and qualitative data collection and analysis.
- Experience designing, leading, or facilitating communication activities related to training and technical assistance.
- Experience working with the Innovation Center within CMS, conducting learning, technical assistance, or education and outreach activities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies.
- Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences.
- Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences.
- Ability to mentor more junior staff and work collaboratively with more senior staff.
Requirements
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 (20 days per year)
- Sick Leave (9 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year)
- 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.
Career Area
Research - Health Studies
Pay Range
The anticipated salary range for this role is $115,000 to $145,000 commensurate with experience.
Bonus Eligibility
yes
