Associate Director of Research

UnitedHealth Group•Washington, DC

11d•$112,700 - $193,200•Onsite

About The Position

The UnitedHealth Group Center for Health Care Research (CHCR), based in Washington, D.C., seeks an outstanding and experienced Research Analyst to join a high-performing team of innovative health care researchers and analysts within a dynamic, mission-driven, results-oriented organization. The Center's research advances UHG's commitment to the development of a next-generation health system through socially responsible, actionable, practical, and timely policy and market solutions that promote affordability, access to coverage, improved patient and physician experiences, and better health outcomes. CHCR's work is critical to advancing understanding of key health care market dynamics and strategic opportunities among senior UHG leadership. The Center's research also supports Corporate Communications and Federal and State Government Affairs teams as they engage with the public, media, and policymakers. The successful candidate will possess exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, along with a deep understanding of health care policy and market dynamics. This individual will demonstrate sound judgment, a passion for health care transformation, and the ability to contribute to and execute robust research initiatives that advance UHG's business objectives and policy priorities.

Requirements

3+ years of professional experience in a research capacity within a health care organization, consulting firm, research institution, think tank, government agency, or similar environment
Experience building spreadsheet models, analyzing datasets, and interpreting findings from empirical research
Demonstrated knowledge of health policy and health care market dynamics, with the ability to quickly develop expertise in complex and technical subject matter
Proficiency in leveraging AI tools and a demonstrated interest in expanding the strategic and effective use of agentic AI technologies
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with working proficiency in PowerPoint
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with business leaders, researchers, and policy experts, and to translate complex findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights
Demonstrated solid strategic thinking, problem-solving, and written communication skills
Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting health policy, health economics, or health services research
Experience working with large health care datasets and quantitative analyses
Experience preparing materials for executive leadership and external stakeholders
Experience supporting publication, communications, or thought-leadership initiatives
Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, ACA Marketplace, and commercial health insurance markets

Responsibilities

Produce targeted background research that aggregates and synthesizes publicly available literature, policy analyses, and data to inform the development of UHG-generated research products and deliverables
Advance early-stage research strategy by identifying key trends, evidence, and knowledge gaps that help advance projects from concept development through analysis and insight generation
Lead analytical collaboration across research projects by contributing to the design, drafting, editing, and refinement of UHG-generated research briefs and publications
Facilitate the efficient advancement of multiple concurrent workstreams while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and quality across deliverables
Conduct rigorous and timely reviews of research products developed by lead researchers, serving as a key contributor to quality assurance efforts
Ensure high standards of accuracy, precision, consistency, and analytical rigor in all UHG-generated research
Lead the documentation, optimization, and continuous improvement of research and communication workflows
Maintain detailed and accessible records of review processes to support transparency, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness
Preserve institutional knowledge and facilitate seamless coordination among internal researchers and external partners
Build and maintain solid partnerships with teams across UHG to secure access to relevant data, analyses, and subject matter expertise
Foster collaborative relationships that strengthen CHCR's research capabilities and support project execution
Partner with communications teams to maximize the visibility and impact of research findings through internal and external dissemination strategies
Support stakeholder engagement and broaden awareness of key research insights among priority audiences
Partner with senior team leaders to aggregate, organize, and prepare materials and deliverables for engagements with senior executives
Develop work products that support informed decision-making by ensuring materials are clear, complete, accurate, and strategically aligned