Health Policy Researcher

Job Type

Regular Position Description RAND's Economics, Sociology and Statistics (ESS) department is seeking talented Health Policy Researchers to contribute to high-impact research on health care markets, coverage, and costs.

RAND researchers lead and contribute to projects that deliver objective, rigorous evidence to inform policymakers, federal agencies, foundations, and the public.

Health policy researchers in ESS work on multidisciplinary teams applying advanced quantitative methods to administrative and survey data.

Projects range from evaluations of Medicare and commercial insurance market policies to analyses of prescription drug pricing and health care market concentration.

Why RAND?

• Reputation for Excellence: Be part of a non-profit, non-partisan organization renowned for its rigorous and objective research.
• Dynamic Opportunities: Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on diverse projects that challenge and expand your skills.
• Poised for Impact: Your research will inform policymakers, clients, and other stakeholders across the health care system and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute rigorous empirical research studies addressing high-priority health policy questions.
• Apply causal inference and other advanced quantitative methods to large administrative and survey datasets.
• Use cutting edge technologies like AI/ML responsibly to improve quality and efficiency.
• Interpret and synthesize research results to support stakeholder and policymaker decision‑making.
• Communicate findings to policy audiences through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and oral presentations.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and cultivating funder relationships.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive research environment.

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require:

• Demonstrated training in quantitative research methods
• Strong analytic skills and intellectual curiosity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• The ability to work effectively as a member of inclusive, multidisciplinary teams
• A strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity

Applicants must have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following health policy domains:

• Medicare program policy, coverage, payment, or utilization
• Commercial insurance markets, coverage design, or insurer behavior
• Health care market dynamics, provider or insurer consolidation, and market concentration
• Prescription drug policy, pricing, or access
• Medicaid program policy

Applicants must have demonstrated quantitative research skills, including experience with two or more of the following:

• Causal inference methods (e.g., difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, matching)
• Medicare fee‑for‑service or Medicare Advantage claims data
• State all‑payer claims databases (APCDs)
• CMS Transparency in Coverage files or other insurer‑reported data
• Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Hospital Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), or similar large‑scale public‑use datasets
• Advanced statistical or econometric modeling applied to health data, including multi‑level models, longitudinal analysis, or machine learning methods

Experience

Successful applicants will present strong evidence of research experience, demonstrated through authorship of academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports. Experience leading or contributing to externally funded research projects is valued. The ability to conceptualize new research studies and contribute to grant proposals is expected.

Education Requirements

The preferred candidate will have a PhD in economics, policy analysis, statistics, sociology, or a closely related field. Applicants should be currently completing a PhD or have 1 to 4 years of post‑graduate experience in a research setting.

Location

Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; Boston, MA

Application Materials

A CV, cover letter, and peer‑reviewed writing sample (pdf documents preferred) are required when applying. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $110,900 - $183,300

Associate Researcher: $110,900 - $152,500

Full Researcher: $126,400 - $183,300

Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown. RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment as an Associate or Full Researcher, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time‑off and more.

Application Deadline

This notice will be open until November 16, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 1,750 people working in offices in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of $470 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that under‑researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objective. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day.

As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity.

RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.