Jobs

Data Scientist (Policy Analyst) (Job#494577)
Analytics and Research

Overview

The Hilltop Institute (www.hilltopinstitute.org) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Data Scientist to join its Analytics and Research team. Hilltop conducts research and policy analysis to support health care financing and delivery system reform in Maryland and other states. With access to an extensive onsite data repository that includes Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, hospital discharge data, nursing home assessment data, and all-payer claims data, Hilltop conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform health care payment, program design, monitoring, and evaluation. Widely recognized for its expertise in Medicaid, Hilltop is at the forefront of national efforts to find data-driven solutions to complex problems facing state policymakers as publicly funded health care systems transition to new models that reward quality and value over volume.

Hilltop seeks professionals with a keen interest in federal and state health policy, outstanding quantitative skills, and a passion for advancing the health and wellbeing of people and communities. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Director of Analytics and Research.

Responsibilities

The Data Scientist will contribute to quantitative analysis aimed at improving access to and the quality of health care services for people and communities. Most projects will focus on populations served by the Maryland Medicaid and Medicare programs, but occasional work is also performed with other states and other state agencies within Maryland.

Responsibilities include:

  • Analyzing large data sets assembled from Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurers, hospital pricing data, community benefit reports, and/or hospital discharge abstracts using SAS, Stata, or other statistical packages
  • Assisting with the development and operationalization of predictive models. This includes literature reviews, risk factor engineering, pre-processing, modeling, deployment, documentation, and model monitoring.
  • Assisting with implementation of multivariate program evaluation methodologies to test the effects of health care interventions on program enrollment, utilization, provider participation, and quality of care measures
  • Participating in multi-disciplinary project teams that may include SAS programmers and policy analysts, as well as researchers or policy analysts from other organizations
  • Drafting reports, memoranda, meeting minutes, and/or Power Point presentations
  • Assisting in preparing research and analysis for publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Assisting with presentations to public and professional audiences
  • Participating in internal and external meetings
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Data Scientist

A master’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, data science or a related discipline, and at least one year of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, data science or a related field and three years of experience with exposure to health services research, public health administration, and/or policy analysis may be substituted for the master’s degree and required experience. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and at least one statistical package (SAS, Stata, R, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following professional and interpersonal competencies:

  • The ability to work with large data sets and on a variety of platforms supporting quantitative analysis, predictive analytics, mathematical modeling, and/or machine learning
  • Experience with advanced statistical modeling
  • Familiarity with the health care literature
  • A knowledge of publicly funded health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid
  • An interest in federal and state health policy
  • Well-honed problem-solving skills
  • The ability to communicate orally and in writing to diverse audiences
  • The ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and be flexible in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is full-time, offers opportunity for professional growth, and includes the full university benefits package, including tuition remission for qualified candidates. Note: this is a grant-funded position wherein employment is contingent upon the renewal of the grant.

While this position is onsite at The Hilltop Institute’s offices located on the UMBC campus, options for telework are available.

Application

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Send a cover letter (indicating Job #494577), resume, and the contact information for three professional references to the Data Scientist, Analytics and Research, Search Committee at: https://listings.umbc.edu/cw/en-us/job/494577/data-scientistpolicy-analyst

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work in the U.S.

UMBC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

June 13, 2024