Research Data Scientist

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); Hybrid; USD 106,012 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California seeks a Research Data Scientist to support health policy and economics research. The role involves complex data analysis, project management, and mentoring junior staff.

The ideal candidate will bring significant statistical programming experience and a strong background in health care data. This full-time position offers a hybrid work arrangement and a competitive salary ranging from $106,012.83 to $125,000 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with statistical programming.
• Experience with administrative health care claims data.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex data analyses using large-scale health care data.
• Design and build data pipelines and research tools.
• Translate complex data into actionable insights.

Skills

Statistical programming (SAS, R, Python)

Data analysis

SQL and cloud platforms (AWS, Snowflake)

Leadership and mentorship

Problem-solving

Education

MA/MS in statistics, data science, economics, or related field

Master's Degree

Tools

SAS

R

Python

SQL

AWS

Snowflake

Job description

Description

The Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics is seeking a Research Data Scientist (HR title: Research Programmer II) to support cutting‑edge health policy and economics research through advanced analytics, data infrastructure development, and project leadership. This full‑time, one‑year fixed‑term position (renewable) offers a hybrid work arrangement and partners with principal investigators and a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex data analyses using large‑scale health care data (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, commercial claims)
• Design and build data pipelines, research tools, and analytic infrastructure
• Ensure data quality and reproducibility through rigorous quality assurance processes
• Manage projects, including timelines, deliverables, and coordination with cross‑functional team members
• Supervise and mentor junior staff
• Translate complex data into actionable insights to support policy‑relevant research

Required Qualifications

• MA/MS in statistics, data science, economics, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative field (or equivalent combined education and work experience)
• 5+ years of experience with statistical programming (e.g., SAS, R, Python)
• Experience with administrative health care claims data (Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial)
• Experience with SQL, data warehouses (e.g., Snowflake), and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS)
• Demonstrated experience leading analytic efforts and contributing to research projects
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions for complex data challenges
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in health economics, health policy, public health, or similar discipline
• 7+ years of experience with statistical programming
• Experience with CMS secure environments (e.g., VRDC, IDR) and NIA LINKAGE
• Experience leveraging AI‑assisted tools to enhance coding, data analysis, and workflow efficiency, including iterative or semi‑automated workflows

Minimum Education

Master's Degree

Minimum Experience

3 years of relevant experience

Minimum Skills

• Relevant work experience to provide strong technical knowledge of programming and analysis as well as senior or lead experience
• Demonstrated ability to stand in for researchers as circumstances require
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in solving conceptual programming problems

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $106,012.83 – $125,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Required Documents

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV

Job ID

REQ20176309