(Hybrid) Research Associate Analyst - Health Affairs Institute

West Virginia University • West Virginia, WV

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Affairs Institute at West Virginia University is seeking a Research Associate Analyst to join their team. This role is part of a State-University partnership between the WVU Health Sciences Center and the DoHS, focusing on leveraging state data to support analytic and policy needs. The position involves conducting policy and evaluation research, participating in interdisciplinary teams, and overseeing data analysts. The ideal candidate will be data-driven with strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data insights into actionable decisions. The Health Affairs Institute provides organizational leadership for collaborative activities involving the Health Sciences Center, the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), and other partners, offering data analytic support, program evaluation expertise, technical assistance, and project management. With offices in Morgantown and Charleston, the Institute employs over 50 full-time staff and collaborates with numerous university faculty and staff.

Requirements

• PhD in health-related field required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the folllowing:
• Record of research and achievement in health outcomes and policy research (health services research, public health informatics, health policy, clinical outcomes) as evidenced by publications and a sustained research program.
• Experience in using Artificial Intelligence in data analytics
• Experience and knowledge in predictive analytics using machine learning
• Experience conducting research/evaluation within the academic and governmental sectors.
• Good knowledge in Medicaid Claims data and adequate knowledge in medical coding.
• Experience in conducting in-house training
• Extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing large health databases for research, program evaluation, and policy development.
• Extensive knowledge in machine learning
• Extensive knowledge in using Artificial Intelligence in data analytics
• Record of accomplishments in the area of health data analytics.
• Strong ability to communicate goals, methods, and results of research initiatives with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of standard software packages such as SAS or R
• Good knowledge in handling mortality data
• Experience working with Medicaid Claims data
• Training and facilitation skills
• Strong understanding of Data Security and Compliance – particularly with HIPAA and PHI data access and storage

Nice To Haves

• Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes expertise in machine learning and advanced statistical methods to analyze data sources such as Medicaid Claims to generate evidence for policy interventions.
• Provide guidance to teams in optimal and proper use if Artificial Intelligence in data analytics
• Oversees/provides mentorship other analysts as directed by the Director – Center for Measurement and Health Data Analytics
• Oversees the analyst training program by identifying training gaps/requirements and collaborates with the HAI Program Development and Management Office (PDMO) to procure and/or develop and lead training modules as directed by the Center for Measurement and Health Data Analytics.
• Leads data risk assessments to mitigate and/or expose data quality and/or security issues in collaboration with the PDMO and Director of Health Information.
• Identifies and troubleshoots unanticipated data problems or unexpected results and provides solutions to resolve identified concerns.
• Provides consultation, as needed, regarding optimal statistical methods and analysis designs.
• Performs advanced statistical analysis with guidance from the Director – Center for Measurement and Health Data Analytics
• Provides consultation and support for HAI project team members in data analysis and visualization best practices, and new and current technology.
• Leads the development of detailed reports that can be readily understood, using best practices in data visualization and statistics.
• Participates in high-level stakeholder meetings to understand stakeholder priorities and develop potential solutions as required.
• Develops quality assurance processes and protocols in collaboration with the PDMO.
• Conducts and overseas predictive data analytics using machine learning
• Conducts and overseas geo-spatial analytics
• Serves as an HAI representative and liaison to the DoHS for the planning and performance of projects, programs and activities involving health data analytics and program evaluation.
• Facilitates communication and efficient collaboration between research partners at the Health Affairs Institute and the staff of the DoHS.
• Ensures that data analytic and research/evaluation activities are compliant with Health Affairs Institute and University-level policies for the responsible conduct of research as well as federal, and state policies.
• Provides consultation to faculty and government partners regarding preparation of research proposals, design and methodology, data analytics and interpretation of results.
• Identifies opportunities for potential collaborations between the Health Sciences Center and the DoHS.
• Prepares reports as required by the University, the Health Sciences Center administration, and external agencies. Communicates results of analytic projects and program evaluations with relevant staff of the DoHS.
• Conducts or directs special projects as assigned. Acts in other matters and capacities as delegated by the Center for Measurement and Health Data Analytics for the Health Affairs Institute.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6%25 employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What This Job Offers

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