Research Assistant - Health Services

Overview Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence‑based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work. Westat has multiple openings for Research Assistants to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on a variety of health services research projects. Our work is focused on innovative health care delivery, policy implementation, consumer engagement, data management, and health information technology. This is a full‑time position to work onsite at our office in Bethesda, Maryland at least 3 days/week and from your home office 2 days/week. Job Responsibilities Provide basic research and administrative support on a range of projects employing varying methodologies and across health‑related areas. Support data collection activities, including survey administration, consumer testing, cognitive interviews, in‑depth interviews, site visits, focus groups, coding qualitative data, and background research. Conduct literature searches and reviews; contribute to writing case studies, reports, and profiles. Contribute to manipulating and modeling data, including importing and inputting data, maintaining databases, recoding variables, populating presentation and report templates, and reviewing data tables. Produce infographics and other data visualization products to effectively present data/results. Provide logistical or content‑related support for expert panels, consumer testing, and advisory groups. Support project management by taking notes at project meetings, contributing to client reports, monitoring project schedules, or other tasks. Perform activities under supervision of senior research staff. Basic Qualifications A bachelor's degree in social sciences, public health, or a related field and at least 1 year of social science research project experience in a health‑related area. Preferred Qualifications Experience and skill analyzing qualitative or quantitative data. Ability to summarize or synthesize information for different audiences and purposes. Experience and skill working with MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to coordinate the completion of projects and tasks. Benefits Employee Stock Ownership Plan 401(k) Retirement Plan Paid Parental Leave Vacation Leave (15 days per year) Sick Leave (9 days per year) Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year) Professional Development Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program Travel Accident Insurance Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short Term Disability Insurance Long Term Disability Insurance Life and AD&D Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Supplemental Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post‑offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position. This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Westat does not offer employment‑based visa sponsorship (including H‑1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria. Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. #J-18808-Ljbffr