Health Policy Researcher

RAND Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND Corporation's Economics, Sociology and Statistics (ESS) department is seeking Health Policy Researchers to study health care markets, coverage, and costs. You will lead and contribute to multidisciplinary teams, applying advanced quantitative methods to administrative and survey data, and communicating results to policymakers and stakeholders.

The role includes design of rigorous empirical studies, involvement in business development, and mentoring junior researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD in economics, policy analysis, statistics, sociology, or closely related field.
• Applicants currently completing a PhD or 1–4 years post-graduate research experience.
• Experience with causal inference methods (DiD, IV, RDD, matching).
• Strong written and spoken English communication demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement rigorous empirical health policy research.
• Apply causal inference and advanced quantitative methods to large datasets.
• Interpret results for policy audiences and publish findings.
• Contribute to proposals and funder relationships; mentor junior researchers.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Policy analysis

Verbal and written communication

Team collaboration

Causal inference

Education

PhD in economics, policy analysis, statistics, sociology, or related field

PhD in progress or 1–4 years post-graduate research experience

Tools

R

Python

Stata

SQL

Job description

Job Type:RegularPosition DescriptionRAND's Economics, Sociology and Statistics (ESS) department is seeking talented Health Policy Researchers to contribute to high-impact research on health care markets, coverage, and costs. RAND researchers lead and contribute to projects that deliver objective, rigorous evidence to inform policymakers, federal agencies, foundations, and the public. Health policy researchers in ESS work on multidisciplinary teams applying advanced quantitative methods to administrative and survey data. Projects range from evaluations of Medicare and commercial insurance market policies to analyses of prescription drug pricing and health care market concentration.Why RAND?· Reputation for Excellence: Be part of a non-profit, non-partisan organization renowned for its rigorous and objective research.· Dynamic Opportunities: Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on diverse projects that challenge and expand your skills.· Poised for Impact: Your research will inform policymakers, clients, and other stakeholders across the health care system and beyond.Responsibilities:Health Policy Researchers at RAND apply their analytical and substantive expertise to:Design and execute rigorous empirical research studies addressing high-priority health policy questions.Apply causal inference and other advanced quantitative methods to large administrative and survey datasets.Use cutting edge technologies like AI/ML responsibly to improve quality and efficiency.Interpret and synthesize research results to support stakeholder and policymaker decision-making.Communicate findings to policy audiences through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and oral presentations.Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and cultivating funder relationships.Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive research environment.QualificationsAll research positions at RAND require:Demonstrated training in quantitative research methodsStrong analytic skills and intellectual curiosityExcellent verbal and written communication skills in EnglishThe ability to work effectively as a member of inclusive, multidisciplinary teamsA strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivityApplicants must have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following health policy domains:Medicare program policy, coverage, payment, or utilizationCommercial insurance markets, coverage design, or insurer behaviorHealth care market dynamics, provider or insurer consolidation, and market concentrationPrescription drug policy, pricing, or accessMedicaid program policyApplicants must have demonstrated quantitative research skills, including experience with two or more of the following:Causal inference methods (e.g., difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, matching)Medicare fee-for-service or Medicare Advantage claims dataState all-payer claims databases (APCDs)CMS Transparency in Coverage files or other insurer-reported dataMedical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Hospital Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), or similar large-scale public-use datasetsAdvanced statistical or econometric modeling applied to health data, including multi-level models, longitudinal analysis, or machine learning methodsExperienceSuccessful applicants will present strong evidence of research experience, demonstrated through authorship of academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports. Experience leading or contributing to externally funded research projects is valued. The ability to conceptualize new research studies and contribute to grant proposals is expected.Education RequirementsThe preferred candidate will have a PhD in economics, policy analysis, statistics, sociology, or a closely related field. Applicants should be currently completing a PhD or have 1 to 4 years of post-graduate experience in a research setting.LocationSanta Monica, CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; Boston, MAApplication MaterialsA CV, cover letter, and peer-reviewed writing sample (pdf documents preferred) are required when applying. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation, which can be emailed to [e-mail] Range: $110,900 - $183,300Associate Researcher: $110,900 - $152,500Full Researcher: $126,400 - $183,300Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown.RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment as an Associate or Full Researcher, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.Application DeadlineThis notice will be open until November 16, 2026.Equal Opportunity Employer