Global Health Quantitative Researcher (Remote Eligible)

Mathematica Inc • Washington, DC

5d • $100,000 - $135,000 • Remote

About The Position

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength.
Mathematica Global seeks a highly motivated and skilled quantitatively oriented health researcher with expertise in global health and international development. We are particularly interested in candidates with substantial experience in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN). The researcher will be a part of a multidisciplinary global practice and collaborate closely with Mathematica Global’s U.S.-based and international experts and researchers, as well as external partners, which often include academic or research institutes, international consultants, and in-country partners. Our current health portfolio is diverse and includes evidence-informed strategy advising; performance monitoring, analytics and adaptive learning to guide strategies, programs and decision-making; a wide range of rigorous and mixed-methods evaluations of global, multi-country, and country initiatives and programs; and full-service measurement, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) partnerships with foundations, global multi-funder initiatives, and international NGOs.
The Researcher role will include designing and leading evaluations and research; reviewing and synthesizing evidence; conducting impact modeling and cost analyses; developing new and improved approaches to using data, evidence, and learning to inform decision-making; facilitating learning and dissemination sessions with external stakeholders; and serving as a trusted learning partner and advisor to our clients and partners.
Ideal candidates will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, team-based environment that values analytical rigor, critical thinking, and a client-centered approach, and have a skill set that includes strong quantitative research and analytical skills, a passion for global health and international development, a commitment to using data and evidence to drive change, an interest in developing or applying innovative research and evaluation methods, and an ability to produce high-quality work in the face of compressed timelines and changing circumstances. We are looking for experience in the following areas:
Designing and leading the implementation of MEL systems and rigorous mixed-methods evaluations in global health, particularly of family planning, SRH and MNCHN programs in low- and middle-income countries.
Designing fit-for-purpose evaluations that maintain methodological rigor while adapting to programmatic, operational, and contextual constraints in real-world settings.
Designing quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies and instruments—including population-based surveys, facility assessments, client exit interviews, interview and focus group guides—developing sampling approaches, and overseeing data quality assurance in low- and middle-income country contexts.
Applying quantitative methods to evaluate programs, track performance, and inform program decision-making or recommendations, with sensitivity to partner capacities and health system constraints.
Developing and applying impact models and conducting cost analyses to inform strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and scale-up decisions in global health programs.
Using health management information systems (HMIS), administrative health data, survey data (e.g., DHS, MICS), and other large-scale datasets to inform strategy, program improvement, and policy decisions.
Conducting evidence reviews and synthesizing findings to inform programmatic and strategic decisions.
Experience contributing to or leading multidisciplinary research teams, including mentoring junior staff and engaging directly with clients or implementing partners to understand learning needs and translate evidence into actionable guidance.
Facilitating meetings and engagements with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, foundations, international organizations, and consultants.
Providing the energy, organization, coordination, and quality control needed to keep projects on time and on budget.
Experience leading business development tasks such as technical proposal writing and budgeting.

Requirements

• PhD (or Master’s degree with equivalent experience) in economics, health economics, public policy, public health, epidemiology, demography, or related fields.
• Excellent quantitative analytical skills and a strong foundation in econometric and causal inference methods, including experience applying these methods to real-world program and policy questions.
• At least 5 years of post-graduate degree experience conducting quantitative and mixed-methods research on international development topics in low- and middle-income contexts, including at least 3 years of experience focused on global health topics such as SRH, MNCHN, infectious disease, or health systems strengthening.
• Experience working with health administrative data, large-scale household surveys, and/or facility-level data in LMIC contexts.
• Experience in conducting or applying evidence synthesis methodologies (e.g., landscape reviews, systematic reviews, etc.) and translating findings into strategic recommendations for clients.
• Stellar written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to (1) convey complex technical issues to non-expert audiences and (2) effectively communicate findings to a range of stakeholders, from program implementers to policymakers and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead complex tasks, including major evaluations, coordinating the work of multidisciplinary teams, and proactively solving problems.
• Strong cross-cultural communication and facilitation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, subject matter experts, and consultants.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and ability to lead and manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with advanced data analytics and visualization techniques to synthesize and track performance using diverse data sources is preferred.
• Experience managing or supporting research in LMIC settings is preferred
• Fluency in at least one language in addition to English preferred, particularly French.

Responsibilities

• Leading interdisciplinary, multi-location research teams to design and implement mixed-methods evaluations and learning efforts.
• Leading quantitative components of international development projects, including evaluation design, analytical framework development, sampling strategies, data collection protocols, data collection oversight, and data quality assurance.
• Conducting or overseeing rigorous statistical analyses, such as for experimental/quasi-experimental evaluations and predictive modeling efforts.
• Applying analytic rigor to the interpretation of quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Serving as task lead for a variety of project tasks—including mixed-methods evaluations, cost-effectiveness studies, MEL system design efforts, and evidence syntheses—managing budgets and timelines, supervising junior staff and consultants, serving as the primary technical point of contact for clients, and delivering high-quality, actionable insights.
• Translating research findings into actionable information and supporting clients in using it to inform program or portfolio strategy, decision making, or grantmaking.
• Leading engagements with diverse clients and stakeholders to understand the challenges they face, build trust and rapport, gather input, and work collaboratively to provide high-quality work, thoughtful recommendations, and innovative solutions.
• Leading and contributing to business development efforts, including writing proposals for new projects.
• Producing high quality, client-ready reports, memos, issue briefs, and presentations, and representing Mathematica to policy and professional audiences.
• Supporting dissemination of Mathematica’s work through articles in peer-reviewed journals, gray literature publications, conference presentations, blog posts, social media, and other dissemination channels.
• Leveraging AI-enabled approaches to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL)—including applications such as literature synthesis, data extraction and cleaning, predictive analytics, qualitative coding, and drafting analytic summaries—and integrating these tools into adaptive learning and decision-making processes.
• Contributing to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of staff through active mentorship.

Benefits

• Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned.
• As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree