Research Analyst

The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC)  seeks a Research Analyst to support the work of the Research and Cost Trends (RCT) department. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team generating high-quality, objective research to support the HPC’s mission of developing and supporting data-driven health policy throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Reporting to the Associate Director of Research and Cost Trends, the Research Analyst will conduct analysis using claims, discharge, and survey data to identify and communicate trends in health care costs, spending, utilization, and other outcomes and aspects of health care throughout the Commonwealth.  
 

Duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:  

• Working in Stata, SAS, SQL, Tableau, and/or Python to create analytic files and conduct analyses using claims, discharge, and survey data; 

• Conducting analyses to understand health service utilization, spending, outcomes and other aspects of health care in the Commonwealth using descriptive statistics, regression modeling, and other statistical methods; 

• Creating analytic data sets or aggregated reports using SQL or SAS for use in Stata, R, Tableau or MS Excel; 

• Developing methods and assessing research conclusions by conducting literature reviews and meeting with a range of stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives; 

• Drafting policy-relevant reports, white papers, and issue briefs on a variety of health policy topics; 

• Communicating analytic results orally and in writing to a variety of audiences; and  

• Developing research project ideas to inform and contribute to the mission of the HPC.  

The HPC operates a hybrid work schedule, with employees splitting their time between the downtown Boston office and remote work.     

Desired Qualifications: 

• 3 years of relevant full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience that has equipped the applicant with the competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the position; 

• Experience programming with Stata, SAS, SQL, Python or other standard statistical software. Stata experience a plus; 

• Experience working with large, complex data sets, particularly claims data; 

• Excellent analytic, critical thinking, and communication skills, including the ability to interpret and distill complex information into succinct, meaningful reports and visualizations, and to tailor communication for various audiences; 

• The ability to balance multiple, competing priorities and deadlines; 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; 

• Familiarity with the Massachusetts health care and health policy landscape; 

• A dedication to public service and a desire to advance a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system for all Massachusetts residents. 

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. 

Compensation and Benefits  

Salary Range

$70,000-$100,000  

Salary is commensurate with experience. The HPC may adjust title, responsibilities, and salary depending on the experience and expertise of the individual selected.   

Benefits

The HPC offers an outstanding and comprehensive package of employee benefits which should be considered toward overall compensation. These include:  

• 12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time  

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium  

• Health, dental, and vision plans offered through the Group Insurance Commission  

• Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Assistance, and Commuting Assistance programs  

• Low-cost basic and optional life insurance  

• Retirement savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan  

• Tuition benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities  

• Extended sick leave program participation  

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities  

• Qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program  

• A suite of well-being benefits   

Our Commitment: 

The HPC is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. We recognize that diversity in the workplace is a source of strength, vital to its ability to effectively advance its mission.  The HPC is committed to: 

• Actively promoting diversity in our workforce, including greater racial and ethnic diversity, at all levels of the organization; 

• Fostering a work environment in which all employees are inspired to do their best, strengthened by their different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences; 

• Ensuring that no employee’s growth, achievement, or advancement is hindered because of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, genetic information, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or disability; 

• Holding ourselves to a high standard of inclusion and opportunity that will serve as a model for other public and private employers throughout the Commonwealth; 

• Promoting our core values of equal opportunity, equal justice, and inclusion in HPC actions and initiatives.