Researcher

Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. CHIA’s mission is to monitor the Massachusetts health care system and to provide reliable information and meaningful analysis for those seeking to improve health care quality, affordability, access, and outcomes.  CHIA also acts as a principal repository for health care data collected by the state and is responsible for the Massachusetts All Payer Claims Database (APCD). 

CHIA’s Research Unit is seeking a Researcher to support the development of research and analysis to leverage the agency’s extensive data resources. The Researcher will report to the Research Manager and work closely with the research team and in collaboration with other colleagues in CHIA to develop practical and optimal analytical strategies for utilizing the CHIA data assets, including state-wide survey data, hospital case-mix datasets, and the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD). The successful candidate will have technical expertise in research design, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and multivariate statistical analysis to support the team’s ongoing projects and new initiatives. 

The Researcher will work on multiple projects in collaboration with internal state agencies and external colleagues and be engaged in qualitative and quantitative research related to health care quality, affordability, utilization, access, and outcomes in Massachusetts. The Researcher will receive mentorship in the preparation of presentations for professional meetings (potentially including the American Public Health Association annual meeting, the AcademyHealth annual meeting, the American Association for Public Opinion Research annual meeting, and the National Association of Health Data Organizations (NAHDO) annual meeting), research briefs, and white paper development. The Researcher will receive statistical/programming training in Python, R, and SQL through CHIA’s internal Data Science Institute. In addition, after six months of full-time employment, the Researcher will become eligible for the Commonwealth Tuition Remission Program for further professional development. 

CHIA has a hybrid work environment all employees are expected to work in-person at the Center’s 501 Boylston Street office, on at least two (2) designated days each week.  

This position will remain open until filled.  

Detailed Duties: 

• Produce clear and comprehensive written data analyses and data visualizations for distribution to internal and external audiences 

• Collaborate with researchers across CHIA, as well as at academic institutions and research firms 

• Work independently and/or collaborate with team members in developing analytical plans appropriate for each project as assigned. 

• Advise on best practices for applying existing methods or developing new approaches to ensure the reliability and validity of findings 

• Lead and conduct statistical analyses on focused topical areas using new and existing data assets at CHIA as outlined in analytical plans 

• Lead and participate in quality assurance processes to ensure that reported data are reliable and accurate 

• Prepare reports and presentations on the results of analyses 

• Serve as a technical reviewer to provide critical review on written analyses, briefs, reports, and other products for the team 

• Other duties as assigned  

Qualifications: 

• Required: Advanced degree in social sciences, sociology, demography, economics, public policy, public health, or quantitative field. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or MA/MPH plus 5 years’ experience in research and analysis, reporting, and data management. Ph.D. candidates with previous experience will be considered 

• Required: Demonstrated expertise in quantitative analysis. Qualitative (in-depth interview, focus groups) experience desired 

• Required: Extensive experience with data management and analysis using SAS and other major statistical packages such as SPSS, R, and Stata. 

• Experience with software for qualitative analysis, such as Nvivo or ATLAS.ti desired. 

• Experience in health services research, epidemiology, program evaluation or health-related research preferred; experience in survey data processing, analysis and reporting and/or case mix, claims data analysis strongly preferred 

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams Bilingual in Spanish is preferred 

• Understanding of the Massachusetts and federal health care environment 

Total Compensation:

As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity influencing a wide-spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve - but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time
• Tuition Benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities
• Extended Illness program participation
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

To apply visit: http://www.chiamass.gov/join-our-team/

This position will remain open until filled.  The anticipated full time salary range for this position is $75,000-$95,000 commensurate with experience. 

At CHIA, we are committed to earning a reputation as a great place to work and build a career. So if you’re excited to be part of a diverse and innovative team responsible for identifying opportunities to improve health care in Massachusetts, come join us! To apply and for more information visit: https://www.chiamass.gov/join-our-team/

CHIA is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Women, people of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Tonya Bourassa 617-701-8127.

Information submitted by applicants is collected through the JazzHR Platform, your submission of application materials constitutes your express consent for this information to be provided to JazzHR for processing. Please do not include any personally identifiable information with your application materials other than that specifically requested by CHIA. CHIA requests basic information such as name, address, telephone number, and email address. You may also self identify race/ethnicity, gender, disability and/or veteran status if you so choose. However, you should not provide more detailed personal information such as your date of birth or Social Security Number with your application materials.

In compliance with federal laws, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

CHIA has adopted Executive Order #595: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Executive Department Employees

As a condition of employment, successful candidates will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or boosters prior to the finalization of the hiring process. Details relating to complying with this requirement will be provided to finalists.

Finalists who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for a reasonable accommodation.

Executive order can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/august-19-2021-executive-department-employee-vaccination-order