Principal Qualitative Researcher, Federal Health Program Implementation and Evaluation

Commence • Washington, DC

6d • $160,000 - $200,000 • Remote

About The Position

At Commence, we’re the start of a new age of data-centric transformation, elevating health outcomes and powering better, more efficient process to program and patient health. We combine quality data-driven solutions that fuel answers, technology that advances performance, and clinical expertise that builds trust to create a more efficient path to quality care. With human-centered, healthcare-relevant, and value-based solutions, we create new possibilities with data. We provide proof beyond the concept and performance beyond the scope with a focus on efficiencies that transform the lives of those we serve. With a culture driven by purpose, straightforward communication and clinical domain expertise, Commence cuts straight to better care.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in economics, health services research, health policy, public health, or a related field with 9+ years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree with 13+ years.
• Hands-on experience implementing and/or evaluating CMS/CMMI alternative payment models; experience with both is preferred.
• Working knowledge of at least two of: participant screening and monitoring, beneficiary attribution, payments and financial incentive design, quality measurement, comparison group design, quasi-experimental evaluation methods (difference in difference, event study); mixed-methods.
• Experience with Medicare and/or Medicaid administrative and claims data (e.g., CCW, IDR, VRDC)
• Clear and concise writing for federal audiences; proposal-writing experience.
• Experience leading main tasks or projects and managing and mentoring staff.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to obtain and maintain a CMS-required background investigation (public trust).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Databricks or other cloud analytics platforms and with Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Proficiency in SAS, R, Python, or SQL.

Responsibilities

• Lead the translation of model design documents and policy goals into operational methodologies and specifications using Medicare and Medicaid claims, enrollment, and programmatic data, as well as other data sources including surveys and census data.
• Implementation: Lead the development, refinement, and implementation of value-based care methodologies, including participant screening and monitoring; beneficiary attribution; payment mechanisms, benchmarking and financial adjustments including risk adjustment; selection, adaptation, and scoring of quality measures.
• Evaluation: Lead the design and execution of evaluations, including monitoring methodologies, comparison groups (e.g., propensity score matching, synthetic controls) and quasi-experimental designs (e.g., difference-in-differences, event studies) to estimate impact on healthcare spending, utilization, and quality.
• Partner with economists, data scientists, and engineers to conduct research, create prototypes, and apply ML-based methods on the Commence platform to develop novel approaches to conduct implementation and evaluation work.
• Lead the write up of methodology documents, evaluation reports, and briefings for CMMI model teams, turning findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Lead the design and write up of technical approaches for CMS/CMMI and other federal agency proposals and serve in key project roles; mentor junior researchers and analysts.
• Effectively manage teams, set priorities, coordinate tasks, engage clients and stakeholders, and ensure high-quality reports and products are delivered on time and within budget.

Benefits

• Commence is an equal employment opportunity employer. All personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military and veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
• Commence is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or [email protected]. Please note that unless you are requesting an accommodation, all applications must be submitted through our online application system.

What This Job Offers

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