Associate Health Policy Data Analyst

Job Summary :

The Department of Health Policy is seeking qualified health policy data analyst candidates to provide faculty with analytic file construction, statistical analyses, graphics and other data analyses. Under general supervision, the analyst will work from PI's specifications to undertake some or all of the following tasks: 1) determine the best source(s) of data, 2) obtain and merge data as needed, 3) format, clean, and prepare data for analysis, and 4) undertake statistical analyses. The analyst will also document his/her work and present results in tabular, graphical, and written summary form.

This position is responsible for providing support for complex qualitative and quantitative research projects in health, public health, health policy, or related disciplines under faculty guidance. Activities may include study coordination, literature searches, data collection, data analysis, and report preparation. This position also provides general support to departmental programs, projects and coordinates dissemination of information.

The ideal candidate will work well with multiple faculty members simultaneously, take initiative to gather suitable data to address policy questions, and complete assignments in a timely manner.

The responsibilities of this position will include quantitative and written data analysis on issues of current policy interest. Examples of projects may include:

• Estimating levels of uninsurance and shifts in health insurance coverage
• Analyzing trends in health care expenditures for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries
• Examining policy options for improving the value of care delivered to patients in diverse settings
• Conducting literature reviews on timely health policy topics (e.g., changes in health insurance coverage, payment reform models, value-based care, the Affordable Care Act)
• Pooling policy guidelines to monitor any association with hospitalizations, mortality, and/or transmission of infectious disease

Department/Unit Summary

Vanderbilt University's new Department of Health Policy brings together a broad group of health policy scholars devoted to developing health policy solutions that can have a profound impact. The Department builds on a history of strong collaborative relationships with the Tennessee Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and several frontline policy makers to develop health policy solutions for our nation's most pressing health care challenges.

The combination of a major research university and preeminent medical center gives Department faculty incredible opportunities to build relationships with frontline care providers and policymakers which can lead to breakthrough discoveries. The Department fosters a deep belief that research and innovative thinking should guide health policy relationships and help policymakers understand implications. For more information, please visit https://www.vumc.org/health-policy/ .

Key Responsibilities :

1. Coordinates research projects
   1. Supports research investigators and senior research staff on multiple studies
   2. Supports collaboration between team members, both internal and external to the department
   3. Prepares and executes portions of research projects in the areas of health, economics, and social science
   4. Coordinates research project activities, timelines and events
   5. Uses external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks

1. Implements data collection and inquiry
   1. Uses familiarity with federal and/or state healthcare measures and policy to conduct study-specific literature reviews and searches
   2. Collects, organizes, manages, and critically analyzes data using statistical and data programming skills (e.g., SAS, Stata, R) based on study goals
   3. Applies basic social science qualitative and quantitative research methods
   4. Able to create, modify, and run descriptive queries and produce reports
   5. Communicates information concisely in written and graphic format

Additional Information:

This is a full-time position.

Salary is dependent upon education and experience.

Background screens will be performed and education will be verified prior to employment. Please be prepared to provide required information and/or documentation.