Research Associate

KFF

KFF is the leading health policy organization in the U.S. As a one-of-a-kind information organization, we bring together substantial capabilities in policy research, polling, and journalism in one organization to meet the need for a trusted, independent source of information on national health issues—one with the scope and reach to be a counterweight to health care’s vested interests and a voice for people. We have four major program areas: policy analysis, polling, journalism, and health information and trust.

KFF is not a foundation and has no connection to Kaiser Permanente. Legally, we are a public charity (an endowed national nonprofit organization). We are headquartered in San Francisco with a building in Washington, DC, conference centers in both offices, and staff members in almost every state.

The Team

KFF conducts research and analyzes health care coverage and access for low-income people, with special focus on the Medicaid program and coverage of the uninsured.

Your Role

KFF is seeking a Research Associate to work with the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured on issues related to Medicaid financing and service delivery, with focused work on upcoming policy changes in Medicaid relating to provider taxes, managed care, and home care. The work will be part of a team that collaborates with the Program on Medicare Policy and conducts research on issues affecting individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The associate will be responsible for developing and carrying out research projects using a wide array of data sources including administrative data on Medicaid financing, public survey data, propriety KFF survey data, and potentially, Medicaid claims and encounter records. Qualified applicants will demonstrate strong analytic skills, attention to detail, experience working with large data sets, and a genuine interest in health policy and issues facing low-income people and those with disabilities or who are ages 65 and older. Applicants should be enthusiastic about the work conducted by KFF and interested in joining a team dedicated to the unique operating style and mission of KFF.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct quantitative data analyses about Medicaid payments and financing to understand the implications of forthcoming changes to federal rules governing the state share of Medicaid financing. This may include creating datasets using Python to scrape websites and PDF files.
• Conduct research and analysis related to Medicaid home care programs, financing and managed care.
• Where appropriate, produce data output by state and validate those data against other public sources.
• Conceptualize and prepare creative data displays including figures, tables, interactives, and other data visualizations.
• Assist in writing briefs to communicate findings from the quantitative analysis and research.
• Keep abreast of existing and new data sets, as well as current health policy issues.

Minimum Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Minimum of one to two years working with large datasets, surveys, or administrative data.
• Experience programming in Python (preferred), R, SAS, or SQL.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Medicaid policy with a preference for additional knowledge of Medicare policy. 
• Proven ability to apply research methods and statistical and economic concepts to answer policy questions, as demonstrated by academic training or work experience.
• Ability to communicate complex quantitative information to non-technical audiences, including through the creation of figures and other graphics.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.

• Ability to work concurrently on multiple projects and balance multiple priorities.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

This full-time position will be based in KFF’s Washington, D.C. office, located downtown near Metro Center. KFF is currently working a hybrid schedule and requires all staff to work in the office a minimum of two days a week.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation includes an outstanding benefits package equivalent in value to approximately fifty percent of base salary including a generous and immediately vested defined contribution plan and zero-premium health coverage.

The annual salary range for the Research Associate position is between $77,000 and $87,000. Our job titles and salary ranges may span more than one career level, and the salary offered to a candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, job-related knowledge and skill set, depth of experience, certifications and/or degrees, and our practice of upholding salary equity within the organization. 

How to Apply

If this position is of interest to you, and you have the requisite experience and qualifications, please click the button to apply.

KFF has an efficient applicant review process and will contact candidates who have applied for this position and whose qualifications most closely fit the criteria for the job. No phone inquiries please.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Inclusion Statement

KFF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.