Job Description
Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.
Job Summary
Westat has an opening for a Senior Research Associate to lead and contribute to the implementation and monitoring of innovative health care programs funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Activities include applying existing knowledge and developing new expertise related to innovative payment model implementation approaches and policies; developing recommendations for CMS; developing and managing processes to track implementation progress and to analyze and share data; managing staff responsible for carrying out tracking and analysis; communicating with program participants; thinking through timelines with multiple dependencies; conducting quality assurance; interacting with clients; and others. The successful candidate would join a multidisciplinary team working on a variety of complex projects.
While this position is remote eligible, onsite collaboration is highly valued. Preference will be given to local candidates who are able to join colleagues in a Westat office at least one day a week, fostering teamwork and collective engagement.
Job Responsibilities
* Specify data analyses to be conducted by other staff
* Establish protocols, standard operating procedures, specifications, and other process and quality assurance documentation
* Coordinate with the client and other contractors to gather information necessary to understand dependencies and ensure that information is reflected in timelines, processes, and communications
* Manage a team by making assignments, monitoring timelines, identifying next steps, and conducting quality assurance
* Produce summary reports by obtaining necessary information and organizing/presenting information effectively
* Work across teams to ensure individual tasks are tracked to the completion of a unified deliverable
* Supporting help desk and technical assistance teams by providing subject matter expertise about the innovative payment model
* Identifying CMS' business needs and communicating that information to IT contractors in form of change requests and requirements
* Conduct analysis of business changes for participants in the innovative payment model
* Develop plans/priorities for monitoring and compliance oversight for innovative payment models
Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.
Basic Qualifications
* A master's degree with at least 6 + years of professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility or bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
* Experience with CMS Innovation Center model implementation and monitoring contracts
* At least 2 years of experience supporting participant management, onboarding, or compliance/monitoring for CMS Innovation Center models, must include at least 1 year of experience leading those tasks.
* Experience planning and conducting monitoring and compliance work for a CMS Innovation Center model
* Experience developing and managing business processes related to databases and database management.
* Experience and skill working with MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with vetting CMS Innovation Center model participants to ensure program integrity
* Experience translating CMS Innovation Center model policies, model participant needs, and operational needs into requirements for Innovation Center IT systems.
* Experience monitoring budget and labor usage and projecting future spending.
* Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to coordinate completion of projects and tasks.
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Collaboration with teams, managers, and/or clients
* Organization skills, including time management ability
* Detail oriented
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
- Sick Leave (9 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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Westat
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, parental leave, vacation time, sick time, short term disability, long term disability, 401(k), retirement plan
Mar 13, 2026