Health Policy Research Scientist

University of Wisconsin Madison • Sewell, WI

3d • $70,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Scientist will become an integral team member at the UW Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) for the evaluation of the SeniorCare Pharmaceutical Benefit for Low-Income Seniors program. The SeniorCare program and its evaluation is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Medicaid Services. The purpose of the SeniorCare program is to provide discounted drug coverage to older adults not currently receiving full Medicaid benefits to help delay or prevent 1) future enrollment into Medicaid, and 2) more serious and expensive health services. The Scientist will evaluate the SeniorCare programs’ drug utilization including indicators of medication adherence and high-risk medication use. Drug expenditure data will be used to measure financial hardship for members as well as cost savings to the Medicaid program. Avoidable health outcomes will be measured including nursing home and other long-term care use. The Scientist will assist with cleaning and preparing Medicaid and Medicare claims data; consult on research methodologies based on analytic plans from the investigators; prepare analytic code for dissemination; prepare output tables; prepare analytic findings; and assist investigators with writing evaluation reports to the Wisconsin DHS and for scholarly publications. In this role, the Scientist will: Analyze large complex research data sets including Medicaid and Medicare health care claims. Analyze data using causal inference analytic techniques to determine differences in pharmaceutical drug utilization and health outcomes between treatment and comparison groups. Document analysis code and results according to established policies and procedures for research transparency, standardization, and replication. Conduct literature reviews to support and enhance analysis plans and report preparation. Execute and provide consultation on analysis plans to measure changes in pharmaceutical drug utilization and expenditures. Prepare analysis findings for presentation in reports and publications. Assist investigators with the writing of evaluation reports and scholarly publications in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information.

Requirements

• Quantitative statistical analysis skills in economics or related field utilizing statistical analysis packages (such as SPSS, SAS, R, Python or STATA) measuring longitudinal trend changes relative to comparison groups
• Minimum two years of experience with data management and statistical data analysis
• Experience utilizing and managing large databases and especially experience with tools for working with large data sets
• Familiarity with causal inference methods for observational studies, such as difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, and instrumental variables
• Ph.D. required in health services research, economics, pharmacy, or a related field

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Medicaid and/or Medicare claims data
• Previous research experience focusing on pharmaceutical use

Responsibilities

• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

Benefits

• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

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