Applied Research Scientist

Join a passionate team dedicated to improving health care services that lead to better health and equitable care - there is no quality without equity. This position will manage and direct projects in one or more (or related) high-priority NCQA content areas: behavioral health, health equity, primary care, and patient experience.

Applied Research Scientists are responsible for managing and directing intramurally or extramurally funded projects focused on measuring and improving the quality of health care that can inform quality evaluation programs. They are responsible for balancing scientific rigor and the applied nature of measure development to fit programmatic, use, and policy constraints. We are seeking candidates with experience using data from EHRs combined with other common sources of quality information such as claims and administrative data. Critical to NCQAs success is growing knowledge of “real world data” sources and scientific capability of assessing the validity and usability of clinical data from electronic health records, health information data exchanges or registries, or multi-delivery systems data other non-billing or chart abstraction data sources. Key responsibilities include the development, planning, and implementation of project activities, research investigations, evaluations and assessments based on emerging scientific methods related to quality improvement and measurement science.

In this role, the Applied Research Scientist balances specialized knowledge of methodology and data science, health-related topics, use of digital data sources, team leadership, and project administration to define and solve specific problems and assure quality control across initiatives. This position requires a high level of engagement with subject matter experts and key stakeholders and the ability to effectively communicate results of this work to a variety of internal and external audiences, including health care leaders. We are seeking candidates passionate about translating the evidence base for broad population health impact. Knowledge of digital health care quality measure development, implementation, and use (including use in payment and incentive programs) is desirable.

All scientific leads are expected to substantively engage research staff on their teams in the conceptualization, creation, and dissemination of the research work product. This requires staff mentorship and purposeful skill development. We cultivate a culture of professional growth, self-discovery, and alignment of work to purpose. Successful candidates will have experience of successfully supporting and mentoring colleagues.

Primary Responsibility:

• Manage and implement quality measurement, grant, contracts, and/or research projects.

  Complete high-quality research work product for a series of internal and externally funded projects.

  Manage and supervise project teams including staff, consultants, subcontractors, and collaborators.

  Support the growth and development of NCQA staff.

  Steward resources and complete work according to established timelines.

  Responsibilities include leading and supervising project teams, research, analysis, and preparation of written and verbal communications, as well as management of various work streams related to this work. 

• Participate in projects that inform performance measurement strategy and product design: Participate and support NCQA multi-function teams and workgroups involved in developing and enhancing NCQA products and services.

• Support the development of proposals to secure external funding for new content development: Contribute content to written proposals, presentations to potential funders, consult on the development of proposal budgets as a SME.

• Support or represent NCQA to scientific and stakeholder audiences: Expand revenue generation by either seeking to fully utilize and expand existing projects as well as assisting in the pursuit of new contracts and grants.

• People Development: Provide direction, instruction, coaching, and support to fellow staff on projects as appropriate.

Education and Skillset:

• Doctoral degree in a field related to health services research, economics, health policy, social or behavioral research, or clinical research, with required experience in digital data sources. Alternatively, candidates with a Master’s degree and extensive work experience (e.g., 8 years with progressively responsible leadership roles) will also be considered.
• 3 years’ experience  beyond doctoral degree in research or quality improvement
• 3 years of experience developing products or strategies in behavioral health, health equity, primary care, and patient experience using digital data sources.
• Experience with performance measures, quality improvement program evaluation and/or accreditation issues.
• Experience managing projects for external clients in the health care industry.
• Decision making, team management, public speaking, writing, ability to work under pressure, deadline oriented, flexible and able to adapt to contingent environments.
• Demonstrated experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action.

Compensation & Benefits:

• For new hires, this position pays in the range of $135K - $160K per year, depending on experience.
• This position is eligible for an annual incentive bonus, payable in accordance with policy.
• Click here for employee benefit information.

NCQA is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

NCQA is a drug free workplace. NCQA recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals, and administers any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected statuses under applicable state and federal laws.

NCQA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).

Salary : $135,000 - $160,000