Senior Research Scientist

JOB SUMMARY NORC at the University of Chicago seeks a Senior Research Scientist to support and lead state health policy evaluation, health services research, and applied health economics projects for state and federal government clients. The successful candidate will bring experience conducting program evaluations, quantitative policy analyses, or health services research using Medicaid data, state administrative data, survey data, and other health-related data sources. They will contribute to evaluations of state health policy initiatives, including Medicaid programs, behavioral health initiatives, payment reforms, delivery system transformations, rural health programs, and other public‑sector health programs. The ideal candidate combines strong technical skills with the ability to work independently, manage project responsibilities, communicate effectively with clients, contribute to proposal development, and translate analytic findings into clear policy‑relevant insights. We are seeking a proactive researcher who is comfortable taking ownership of projects and proposals, working in fast‑paced environments, and helping grow NORC’s portfolio of state health policy evaluation work. This position resides within NORC’s Applied Health Care Economics Program Area in the Health Care Evaluation Research Department. This position is intended to be filled at the Senior Research Scientist level. Candidates with substantial experience leading complex evaluations, managing client relationships, and directing proposal efforts may be considered for appointment at the Principal Research Scientist level. Location: This is a hybrid role based in either our Chicago Loop or Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Remote work status may be considered for outstanding candidates. Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. DEPARTMENT Health Care Evaluation Research NORC’s Health Care Evaluation Research Department conducts rigorous evaluations, implementation studies, health services research, and policy analyses for federal agencies, state governments, foundations, health systems, and other health care stakeholders. Applied Health Care Economics Program Area The Applied Health Care Economics Program Area leads research and evaluation activities that examine how health care programs, payment models, financing mechanisms, and policy interventions affect patients, providers, payers, and health systems. Core areas of work include Medicaid and Medicare policy, payment and delivery system reform, managed care, behavioral health, long‑term services and supports, health equity, and evaluation of large‑scale public programs and demonstrations. RESPONSIBILITIES Research and Technical Leadership Lead evaluations of state and federal health policy initiatives, payment reforms, delivery system transformation efforts, rural health initiatives, and other public‑sector health programs. Design and implement rigorous evaluation strategies and analytic approaches. Lead analyses using Medicaid administrative data including T-MSIS, TAF, and state Medicaid claims and encounter data. Lead development of specifications for analytic files, attribution methodologies, quality measures, risk adjustment approaches, utilization measures, spending analyses, and evaluation metrics. Translate complex policy and programmatic questions into rigorous evaluation strategies and actionable findings for policymakers and other stakeholders. Project Leadership Lead major project tasks and workstreams. Manage project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client communications. Present findings to clients and stakeholders. Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and ensure timely delivery of high‑quality products. Identify and address project challenges, competing priorities, and operational risks while maintaining strong client relationships and project performance. Staff Development and Mentorship Mentor and support the development of research scientists, analysts, economists, and data scientists. Contribute to recruitment, training, and professional development activities. Help foster a collaborative, solutions‑oriented culture that emphasizes quality, accountability, professional growth, and client service. Business Development and Portfolio Growth Lead and contribute to proposal development activities, including technical approach development, staffing plans, budget development, proposal writing, and coordination of multidisciplinary proposal teams. Support client engagement and relationship‑building activities with state agencies, federal agencies, foundations, and other health policy stakeholders. Contribute to growth of NORC’s state health policy evaluation portfolio. Identify emerging evaluation opportunities and help position NORC for future work through technical expertise, client engagement, and thought leadership. REQUIRED SKILLS PhD preferred in Economics, Health Services Research, Public Policy, Health Care Management, or a related field. Master’s degree in a relevant quantitative discipline may be considered with substantial additional relevant experience. Nine (9) or more years of progressively responsible experience conducting health services research, health economics research, quantitative policy analysis, or program evaluation following completion of a doctoral degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience consistent with NORC’s Senior Research Scientist level. Demonstrated expertise using Medicaid administrative data, including T-MSIS, state Medicaid claims and encounter data, or similar state health data sources. Experience leading quantitative analyses and evaluations of health care policies, public programs, payment models, delivery system reforms, or state health initiatives. Experience working directly with government clients and partners. Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and drive projects and proposals to successful completion in an applied research or consulting environment. Experience leading project tasks or workstreams and supervising, mentoring, or developing quantitative researchers. Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience evaluating Medicaid demonstrations, Section 1115 waivers, managed care programs, payment reforms, delivery system reforms, behavioral health initiatives, or other state health policy programs. Experience serving as a Project Director, Task Lead, or Technical Lead on federal or state contracts. Experience developing successful proposals and supporting growth of a health policy research or evaluation portfolio. Experience working with Medicaid data from multiple states and/or supporting state Medicaid agencies or health departments. Experience using SAS, R, Stata, SQL, Python, or similar analytical software. CAREER LEVEL This position is expected to be filled at the Senior Research Scientist level. Exceptional candidates whose qualifications, experience, technical leadership, and professional reputation align with NORC’s expectations for a Principal Research Scientist may be considered for appointment at that level. SALARY AND BENEFITS The pay range for this position is $136,000 to $195,000. This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC’s comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to: Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment Dental and vision insurance A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program Group life insurance, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate’s placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs. EEO STATEMENT NORC is an equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr