Job Description
Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.
Westat is seeking a Lead Research Associate with experience in technical assistance and communications to join project teams for with government clients in various health services research areas, such as alternative payment models, patient safety, patient experience and engagement, program evaluation, policymaking, health care quality, survey research, and statistical analysis. Lead Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as task leads, project manager, or analysts. Demonstrated experience working on health services research projects for Federal agencies such as the Innovation Center within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is highly desirable.
This role is based out of Bethesda, Maryland and will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement requiring 1-2 days onsite each week.
Job Responsibilities:
* Implementing a technical assistance plan or curriculum
* Delivering customized technical assistance resources and support (e.g., reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables)
* Facilitating virtual and/or in-person technical assistance or learning events, including webinars or affinity groups
* Implementing educational and outreach activities to announce or explain policy (e.g., email blasts, help desk management, newsletter development, and library oversight)
* Participating in multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to early career staff
* Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs
* Reviewing work products to ensure the highest quality
* Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
* Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences
* Conducting literature reviews, interviews, or focus groups to produce memos
Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.
Basic Qualifications:
* A master's degree in social sciences, public health, public policy, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience in technical assistance, learning collaboratives, and qualitative data collection and analysis; or a Ph.D. in social sciences, public health, public policy, or a related field with 1 or more years of relevant experience in technical assistance, learning collaboratives, and qualitative data collection and analysis.
* Experience designing or facilitating activities related to training and technical assistance
* Experience working with CMS to conduct learning, technical assistance, or education and outreach activities
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with Medicare or Medicaid policy, such as value-based care, payment reform, or care delivery improvement
* Experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies
* Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences
* Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences
* Ability to mentor more junior staff and work collaboratively with more senior staff
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
- Sick Leave (9 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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Westat
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, parental leave, vacation time, sick time, short term disability, long term disability, 401(k), retirement plan
Mar 17, 2026