Senior Research Programmer, Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy (Job ID: 2023-3292)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

About the Economic Studies Program: The Economic Studies program (ES) analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and, based on that research, provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES’s work covers a broad array of economic issues, including the labor market, regulation, health policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. Economic Studies scholars influence key economic policies by conducting rigorous and relevant research and then disseminating and communicating their findings to the policy community and to the broader public.

Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy produces rigorous research and analysis that informs the national health care policy debate. Recent and ongoing research examines impediments to prescription drug competition, strategies to enhance insurance coverage, provider consolidation, insurance market design, and policies to improve mental and behavioral health care in the U.S.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation. Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Senior Research Programmer is responsible for crafting analyses of large health care data sets, especially health care claims datasets, and communicating results to collaborators.
 

Data analysis (70%)

• Collaborate with other team members to design analyses
• Work independently to design algorithms and write code to implement planed analyses, primarily involving Medicare or commercial insurance claims data
• Document and organize data processes
• Communicate results to other team members

Communicating results (20%)

• Assist in drafting of manuscripts, especially drafting of methodology sections
• Assist in data visualization, especially by exporting results in suitable form

Managing data access (10%)

• Manage relationships with data owners, in collaboration with other team members

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a social science field. Master’s degree or PhD in a related field a plus. Three years of experience working with health claims data required; experience can come from prior employment, internship, or applicable undergraduate/graduate work. Competence to undertake research assignments with little supervision. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. 

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Strong programming and communication skills, knowledge of health care claims data, familiarity with empirical research methods, and ability to undertake analytic assignments with little supervision all required. Knowledge of SAS, SQL, R, and Stata preferred, but not required. Knowledge of other programming languages, especially Python, a plus.

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you must add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.