Associate Director of Research

UnitedHealth-Grou; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 113,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group’s Center for Health Care Research (CHCR) is seeking an Associate Director of Research in Washington, DC. The role advances health care policy and market dynamics, coordinating across senior researchers and communications teams while shaping evidence-based health system improvements.

The job emphasizes analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and collaboration with internal teams and external partners to deliver research products and actionable insights for senior leaders.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional research experience in health care settings (clinic, industry, or policy).
• Experience building spreadsheet models, analyzing datasets, and interpreting empirical findings.
• Knowledge of health policy and health care market dynamics; ability to develop domain expertise quickly.
• Proficiency with AI tools and interest in expanding strategic use of agentic AI technologies.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with working proficiency in PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication to translate complex findings for leaders and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Produce targeted background research aggregating literature, policy analyses, and data to inform research products.
• Lead collaborative analysis and drafting of research briefs and publications; ensure consistency and quality across deliverables.
• Perform rigorous reviews to ensure accuracy, precision, and analytical rigor in research outputs.
• Document, optimize, and improve research workflows; maintain accessible records of review processes.

Skills

Research skills

Data analysis

Policy knowledge

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Communication

Job description

Improve the lives of others while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Job Description - Associate Director of Research (2382212)

Associate Director of Research - 2382212

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that’s dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The UnitedHealth Group Center for Health Care Research (CHCR), based in Washington, D.C., seeks an outstanding and experienced Research Analyst to join a high-performing team of innovative health care researchers and analysts within a dynamic, mission-driven, results-oriented organization.

The Center's research advances UHG's commitment to the development of a next-generation health system through socially responsible, actionable, practical, and timely policy and market solutions that promote affordability, access to coverage, improved patient and physician experiences, and better health outcomes.

CHCR's work is critical to advancing understanding of key health care market dynamics and strategic opportunities among senior UHG leadership. The Center's research also supports Corporate Communications and Federal and State Government Affairs teams as they engage with the public, media, and policymakers.

The successful candidate will possess exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, along with a deep understanding of health care policy and market dynamics. This individual will demonstrate sound judgment, a passion for health care transformation, and the ability to contribute to and execute robust research initiatives that advance UHG's business objectives and policy priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have a broad range of analytical and operational responsibilities related to producing, managing, and disseminating UHG research. This role informs and accelerates the work of senior researchers while providing opportunities for professional growth and increasing ownership of research initiatives over time.

Targeted Background Research

• Produce targeted background research that aggregates and synthesizes publicly available literature, policy analyses, and data to inform the development of UHG-generated research products and deliverables
• Advance early-stage research strategy by identifying key trends, evidence, and knowledge gaps that help advance projects from concept development through analysis and insight generation

Collaborative Drafting and Analysis

• Lead analytical collaboration across research projects by contributing to the design, drafting, editing, and refinement of UHG-generated research briefs and publications
• Facilitate the efficient advancement of multiple concurrent workstreams while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and quality across deliverables

Quality Assurance

• Conduct rigorous and timely reviews of research products developed by lead researchers, serving as a key contributor to quality assurance efforts
• Ensure high standards of accuracy, precision, consistency, and analytical rigor in all UHG-generated research

Process Management

• Lead the documentation, optimization, and continuous improvement of research and communication workflows
• Maintain detailed and accessible records of review processes to support transparency, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness
• Preserve institutional knowledge and facilitate seamless coordination among internal researchers and external partners

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Build and maintain solid partnerships with teams across UHG to secure access to relevant data, analyses, and subject matter expertise
• Foster collaborative relationships that strengthen CHCR's research capabilities and support project execution

Research Amplification

• Partner with communications teams to maximize the visibility and impact of research findings through internal and external dissemination strategies
• Support stakeholder engagement and broaden awareness of key research insights among priority audiences

Executive Engagement Support

• Partner with senior team leaders to aggregate, organize, and prepare materials and deliverables for engagements with senior executives
• Develop work products that support informed decision-making by ensuring materials are clear, complete, accurate, and strategically aligned

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in a research capacity within a health care organization, consulting firm, research institution, think tank, government agency, or similar environment
• Experience building spreadsheet models, analyzing datasets, and interpreting findings from empirical research
• Demonstrated knowledge of health policy and health care market dynamics, with the ability to quickly develop expertise in complex and technical subject matter
• Proficiency in leveraging AI tools and a demonstrated interest in expanding the strategic and effective use of agentic AI technologies
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with working proficiency in PowerPoint
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with business leaders, researchers, and policy experts, and to translate complex findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights
• Demonstrated solid strategic thinking, problem-solving, and written communication skills
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting health policy, health economics, or health services research
• Experience working with large health care datasets and quantitative analyses
• Experience preparing materials for executive leadership and external stakeholders
• Experience supporting publication, communications, or thought‑leadership initiatives
• Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, ACA Marketplace, and commercial health insurance markets

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full‑time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

UnitedHealth Group is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation for any part of the application process, please call 1-866-566-8715 to be connected to Recruitment Services. Recruitment Services hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

UnitedHealth Group is a registered service mark of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. The UnitedHealth Group name with the dimensional logo, as well as the dimensional logo alone, are both service marks for the UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.