Research Scientist 2

Humana; United States; Remote; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Humana is seeking a Research Scientist 2 to apply advanced statistical and epidemiologic methods to healthcare data. You will design studies, diagnose program performance, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for clinical and business partners.

The role emphasizes rigorous research, reproducibility, and clear communication of complex analyses to non-technical stakeholders while supporting performance evaluation across clinical programs. Remote work options are available.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Economics, Statistics, Health Services Research, Clinical Informatics, or related quantitative discipline.
• 2+ years of experience applying statistical, epidemiologic, econometric, or related quantitative methods to large, complex datasets.
• Strong foundation in causal inference and study design, including observational studies, comparative effectiveness research, and randomized controlled trials.
• Experience manipulating and analyzing data using Python, PySpark, R, SAS, or comparable analytical tools.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate clinical and business questions into analytical approaches.
• Ability to select and apply appropriate analytical methodologies to moderately complex research and business questions, with guidance on more complex methodological challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex methodologies and findings into clear insights and recommendations for non-technical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Strong interest in healthcare and a passion for improving health outcomes and healthcare value.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute outcomes studies to evaluate the clinical, utilization, and financial performance of clinical programs using observational and experimental methods.
• Apply causal inference, epidemiologic, and statistical methods to estimate program impact and generate credible evidence for decision-making.
• Conduct deep-dive analyses using medical and pharmacy claims, enrollment, and operational data to identify key performance drivers and opportunities for improvement.
• Translate clinical and business questions into clearly defined analytical questions and hypotheses, partnering with senior scientists as needed.
• Partner with clinical, operational, financial, and business stakeholders to translate insights into recommendations that inform clinical strategy and performance improvement.
• Develop high-quality analytical reports, presentations, and executive readouts for internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate complex methodologies and findings into clear, actionable business insights for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Independently determine appropriate analytical approaches and manage multiple priorities with methodological rigor.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Epidemiology

Data interpretation

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

SAS

PySpark

Job description

Become a part of our caring community

Role Overview

The Research Scientist 2 applies statistical, epidemiologic, and analytical methods to healthcare data to evaluate clinical program performance, understand drivers of outcomes, and support clinical and business decision-making.

This role will be part of the Quality & Cost Strategy Analytics team supporting the performance management and evaluation of clinical programs. The Research Scientist 2 will design and execute rigorous outcomes studies, conduct deep-dive analyses to diagnose program performance, and translate complex analytical findings into clear recommendations for clinical, operational, and business partners.

The role requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to approach moderately complex analytical questions independently while seeking guidance on more complex or ambiguous methodological issues.

Humana's Quality & Cost Strategy Analytics team is seeking a Research Scientist 2 (Remote) to support the evaluation and performance management of clinical programs.

At Humana, we are focused on transforming the healthcare experience by improving health outcomes, managing healthcare costs, and advancing operational excellence. The Quality & Cost Strategy Analytics team operates at the intersection of clinical strategy, analytics, and enterprise value , using rigorous research and advanced analytics to inform clinical priorities and improve outcomes for our members.

Our team partners across the organization to identify opportunities, evaluate and optimize clinical solutions, and generate actionable insights that support high-value care. We apply rigorous performance measurement and research methods to understand what is working, for whom, and why , and translate those insights into opportunities for continuous program improvement.

Responsibilities

As a Research Scientist 2, you will:

• Design and execute outcomes studies to evaluate the clinical, utilization, and financial performance of clinical programs using observational and experimental methods.
• Apply causal inference, epidemiologic, and statistical methods to estimate program impact and generate credible evidence for decision-making.
• Conduct deep-dive analyses using medical and pharmacy claims, enrollment, and operational data to identify key performance drivers, diagnose performance gaps, and uncover opportunities for improvement.
• Translate clinical and business questions into clearly defined analytical questions and hypotheses, partnering with senior scientists as needed on more complex study designs and methodologies.
• Partner with clinical, operational, financial, and business stakeholders to translate analytical insights into recommendations that inform clinical strategy, program design, contracting, and performance improvement.
• Develop high-quality analytical reports, presentations, and executive-level readouts for internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate complex methodologies and findings into clear, actionable business insights, communicating both implications and analytical limitations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Independently determine appropriate analytical approaches and make sound methodological decisions in complex or ambiguous situations.
• Manage multiple analytical priorities while maintaining high standards for methodological rigor, accuracy, and reproducibility.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Economics, Statistics, Health Services Research, Clinical Informatics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• 2+ years of experience applying statistical, epidemiologic, econometric, or related quantitative methods to large, complex datasets.
• Strong foundation in causal inference and study design, including observational studies, comparative effectiveness research, and randomized controlled trials.
• Experience manipulating and analyzing data using Python, PySpark, R, SAS, or comparable analytical tools.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate clinical and business questions into analytical approaches.
• Ability to select and apply appropriate analytical methodologies to moderately complex research and business questions, with guidance on more complex methodological challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex methodologies and findings into clear insights and recommendations for non-technical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Strong interest in healthcare and a passion for improving health outcomes and healthcare value.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in health insurance, managed care, healthcare analytics, or health services research.
• Strong understand