Data Scientist

NCQA is hiring a Data Scientist! The scientist will lead and support a broad range of data-driven research initiatives across grants, contracts and internal strategic projects. This role applies advanced analytic methods and research design to evaluate care delivery models, patient experiences, access to care, and behavioral health services. The scientist collaborates across departments and with external stakeholders to develop and execute rigorous qualitative and quantitative analyses, ensuring scientific integrity and methodological soundness. Projects may include the development and validation of health care quality measures, assessment of innovative care models, evaluation of provider and health plan performance, and exploration of trends in utilization and outcomes. Populations of focus often include individuals with complex care needs, older adults, and children. Through this work, the Data Scientist generates insights that inform national standards, support policy development, and advance improvements in health system performance.

Responsibilities:

• Present analytic results in meetings, develop PowerPoint presentations, and create written documents for internal and external customers which include descriptions of methods, relevant literature, and other background material to provide context for the results.
• Effectively conducts programming tasks and statistical analysis including preparation and cleaning of data, implementation and refinement of statistical methods, preparation of visualizations and formatted tables of results, creation of databases and other outputs, and verification of the accuracy of results under the guidance of senior data science staff.
• Participate in quality assurance processes by reviewing code and all deliverables for accuracy. Complete all code documentation and follow department standardized processes.
• Enhance NCQA reputation for data analysis in performance measurement through provision of information for NCQA’s advisory meetings, publications, and other reports as requested. Present research results orally and in writing to customers and other researchers incorporating descriptions of methods, relevant literature, and other background material to provide context for the results.
• Support NCQA’s research and performance measurement activities by investigating data and developing data design and data structures related to the project. Look at the data from different angles, explore what the data means, and recommend viable ways to analyze it.
• Assess data for trends, patterns, noise, and data quality. In consultation with senior data scientists, support the development of research plans, such as database design, program design, selection of statistical methods, creation of project timelines, and development of formats for presenting results to meet customer needs.
• Consult on product development, data collection, scoring, and measure development.
• Support the preparation of memos and close out reports to contribute to knowledge management and documentation.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree with experience in health services research, applied statistics, sociology, or a combination of education and experience which demonstrates the necessary skills and abilities required to succeed in data analysis.
• 3+ years combination of master's level and work experience addressing scientific, technical or policy.
• Strong programming skills in at least one of the following data coding languages - R, SAS or Python.
• Strong programming background, 3+ years experience analyzing datasets.
• Profound knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Skilled at developing and applying univariate and multivariate modeling techniques, hypothesis testing.
• Strong policy communication skills for supporting research teams.

Compensation & Benefits:

• For new hires, this position pays in the range of $90K - $125K per year, depending on experience.
• This position is eligible for an annual incentive bonus, payable in accordance with policy.
• Click here for employee benefit information.

NCQA is committed to being an employer of choice and fostering an inclusive culture and workplace.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

NCQA is a drug free workplace. NCQA recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals, and administers any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected statuses under applicable state and federal laws.

_NCQA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).
_

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.