Healthcare Payments Data Research Scientist
Remote Work is available with only 1-2 days per month of physical presence in the office required. When physical presence is required, employees are responsible for travel expenses to their office site. Additional Hybrid Telework and Alternative Work Week Schedules are also available.
University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at (888) 225-7377.
The Research Scientist II (RS II) (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) (E/B) designs, conducts, analyzes, draws conclusions and serves as a team leader on scientific research studies of moderate scope and complexity. This involves making independent, difficult scientific decisions using statistical methods, established guidelines and technical scientific procedures. Under general direction, and with work reviewed periodically to assure that it meets the assignment’s objectives, the RS II is a member of the Healthcare Analytics Branch (HAB) team and serves as a team lead on public health and healthcare projects for the Cost and Quality Analysis Group (CAQG) within the Analytics and Data Section (ADS) and with members of the Healthcare Payments Data (HPD) Program. The RS II will measure healthcare quality and cost and perform various statistical analyses of current and newly acquired data. This includes analyses of appropriate patient measures, as well as provider group, hospital level and provider level measures. Research products created may compare analysis groups to statewide or national benchmarks on the cost and quality of care provided. These analyses are highly sensitive and may affect the reputation of health plans and hospitals, thus accuracy and unbiased reporting is critical. The RS II will serve as a knowledge resource on databases, research methods, reports, analytic products, visualizations, and SAS, Python, and SQL programming.
The RS II adapts research methods to problems with limited scientific scope, independently investigates methods for resolving analytical problems, develops new reporting tools, assesses a variety of healthcare issues, and works as part of a research team. The RS II performs innovative integration of complex data sources and development of healthcare cost and quality analytics. The RS II investigates the feasibility of new research projects and may lead them and independently designs complex ad-hoc data analyses and consults with other staff concerning analytical methods and approaches.
In the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) work environment staff may handle confidential patient data. Specific statutes, regulations, and HCAI policies and procedures govern the collection, storage, disclosure and use of confidential data. The employee is responsible for the safe and secure handling of this data in compliance with these policies and procedures.
Do you have the following education or experience?
Either I
Experience: Two years of experience in the California state service performing scientific research duties comparable to those of a Research Scientist I in the stated specialty or a closely related field. One year towards completion of a doctoral degree of the stated specialty or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. and
Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree in the stated specialty or a closely related field.
Or II
Experience: Three years of research experience in the stated specialty or a closely related field. The research experience must have included responsibility for determining research design, choice of methods, and analysis of findings. The research involved in completion of the dissertation required for the doctoral degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience. and
Education: Possession of a master's degree in the stated specialty or in a closely related field.
Epidemiology/Biostatistics
Incumbents in this parenthetical are distinguished from other Research Scientists by being required to design, conduct, analyze, and draw conclusions from epidemiologic or biostatistical investigations. These investigations apply statistical and survey techniques and biologic theory for the purpose of describing and understanding the distribution and determinants of disease, health, and genetic conditions in the population and the response of the health care system. Subspecialties focus on infectious agents (general communicable diseases, zoonotic diseases, food borne diseases, vector borne diseases): nutrition and lifestyle factors; social or environmental factors; health promotion; chemical and physical agents in the environment; chronic diseases and injuries; detection, distribution, and treatment of genetic disorders; other genetic influences on disease; and the efficacy of public health, clinical medical, and other interventions in modifying these influences. Scientific research, disease surveillance, and epidemiologic-based investigations are conducted to identify the source of human illness or injury, to prevent or control its occurrence, and to measure the effectiveness of those controls. Scientific research, disease surveillance, and epidemiologic investigations could evaluate the entire ecology of illness occurrence at the molecular or genetic level using molecular epidemiology.
If so, you may meet the minimum qualifications. Apply today!