Health Policy Researcher

RAND • Washington, DC

1d • $110,900 - $183,300

About The Position

RAND's Economics, Sociology and Statistics (ESS) department seeks Health Policy Researchers to contribute to research on health care markets, coverage, and costs. RAND researchers lead and contribute to projects producing objective, rigorous evidence for policymakers, federal agencies, foundations, and the public. Researchers work on multidisciplinary teams using advanced quantitative methods with administrative and survey data. Projects include evaluations of Medicare and commercial insurance market policies and analyses of prescription drug pricing and health care market concentration.

The role involves applying analytical and substantive expertise to high-priority health policy questions, using quantitative research methods, and communicating evidence to policy audiences. Successful applicants will have demonstrated research experience through academic publications, conference presentations, or professional reports. Experience leading or contributing to externally funded research is valued; conceptualizing studies and contributing to grant proposals are expected. RAND will hire successful candidates as Associate or Full Researchers, depending on education and experience. The preferred candidate has a PhD in a relevant field and is currently completing a PhD or has 1 to 4 years of post-graduate research experience.

Requirements

• Demonstrated training in quantitative research methods.
• Strong analytical skills and intellectual curiosity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of inclusive, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commitment to RAND's values of quality and objectivity.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of these health policy domains: Medicare policy, coverage, payment, or utilization; commercial insurance markets, coverage design, or insurer behavior; health care market dynamics, provider or insurer consolidation, or market concentration; prescription drug policy, pricing, or access; or Medicaid policy.
• Demonstrated quantitative research skills, including experience with two or more of the following: causal inference methods; Medicare fee-for-service or Medicare Advantage claims data; state all-payer claims databases (APCDs); CMS Transparency in Coverage files or other insurer-reported data; MEPS, HCUP, or similar large-scale public-use datasets; advanced statistical or econometric modeling applied to health data.
• Strong evidence of research experience, demonstrated through authorship of academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports.
• Ability to conceptualize new research studies and contribute to grant proposals.
• Submit a CV, cover letter, peer-reviewed writing sample, and three letters of recommendation.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in economics, policy analysis, statistics, sociology, or a closely related field.
• Experience leading or contributing to externally funded research projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute rigorous empirical research studies addressing high-priority health policy questions.
• Apply causal inference and other advanced quantitative methods to large administrative and survey datasets.
• Use technologies such as AI/ML responsibly to improve research quality and efficiency.
• Interpret and synthesize research results to support stakeholder and policymaker decision-making.
• Communicate findings to policy audiences through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and oral presentations.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing and cultivating funder relationships.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive research environment.
• Conceptualize new research studies and contribute to grant proposals.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Paid time off
• Sabbatic pay, providing additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken

What This Job Offers

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