Senior Research Associates are responsible for managing and directing intramurally or extramurally funded projects focused on measuring and improving the quality of health care that can inform quality evaluation programs. They are responsible for balancing scientific rigor and being able to practically apply the evidence base in areas of strategic importance to NCQA, especially in the creation, expansion, maintenance of programs, measures, and evaluation products. Key responsibilities include the development, planning, and implementation of project activities, research investigations, evaluations and assessments based on emerging scientific methods related to quality improvement and measurement science.
The Senior Research Associate balances specialized knowledge of health-related topics with project management and content responsibilities to define and solve specific problems and assure quality control across initiatives. This position requires a high level of engagement with subject matter experts and key stakeholders and the ability to effectively communicate results of this work to a variety of internal and external audiences, including health care leaders. We are seeking candidates passionate about translating the evidence base for broad population health impact. Knowledge of health care quality measure development, implementation, and use (including use in payment and incentive programs) is desirable. In addition, knowledge of health care data sources, including administrative, clinical, digital and survey data, is valued.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement quality measurement, grant, contracts, and/or research projects.
• Manage and supervise project teams including staff, consultants, subcontractors, and collaborators. Support the growth and development of NCQA staff. Help develop and manage project budgets and timelines.
• Lead and supervising project teams, research, analysis, and preparation of written and verbal communications, as well as management of various work streams related to this work.
• Participate in projects that inform performance measurement strategy and product design.
• Participate and support NCQA multi-function teams and workgroups involved in developing and enhancing NCQA products and services.
• Support or represent NCQA to scientific and stakeholder audiences.
• Expand revenue generation by either seeking to fully utilize and expand existing projects as well as assisting in the pursuit of new contracts and grants.
• Communicate and represent NCQA's work through external scientific engagement, including presentations, blogs, papers and peer-reviewed publications, and participation on advisory panels.
• Provide direction, instruction, coaching, and support to fellow staff on projects as appropriate.

Qualifications
EDUCATION
Master's degree in relevant field, e.g., public health, health policy, health sciences.
EXPERIENCE
5 years of work experience:

• Experience developing products or strategies in population health, prevention, screening, maternal health, chronic diseases, overuse and patient experience.
• Experience with performance measures, quality improvement program evaluation and/or accreditation issues.
• Experience managing projects for external clients in the health care industry.

SKILLS

• Decision making, team management, public speaking, writing, ability to work under pressure, deadline oriented, flexible and able to adapt to contingent environments.
• Demonstrated experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
NCQA is a drug free workplace. NCQA recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals, and administers any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected statuses under applicable state and federal laws.
NCQA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).