Health Policy Researcher

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I, the Health Policy Researcher independently performs a variety of complex research and data analysis projects related to collection, analysis, and reporting of total health care expenditure (THCE) data, quality and equity performance, and other related topics for the Research and Analysis Group. Coordinates major complex research projects related to the development of spending targets, analysis performance of health care entities against spending targets, and collaborates with staff in the Heath System Performance Branch to report on the performance of the health care system.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about PLP 2025 , visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

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Working Conditions

HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being.

HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped pay-per-charge electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices.

HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements. Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.

Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• At least 4 years of experience in health care delivery, administration, or policy related issues.
• At least 2 years experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders on complex research products, methodology, and/or reports.
• At least 2 years experience conducting data analysis and research.
• At least 2 years experience summarizing data analysis and writing memos, issue briefs, or reports.
• Experience in conducting complex quantitative analysis of multiple complex data sets.
• Experience in communicating findings of complex research to experts and non-experts.
• Experience in managing competing priorities and completing tasks in a timely manner.
• Experience in assessing the quality and fidelity of various data sources.
• Experience with claims data, hospital financial data or health care utilization data.

Benefits

In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare.

To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the CalHR Benefits Website .

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at (888) 225-7377.

Additional Application Requirements

To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current work experience in the duties performed section. The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.

Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information e.g. Social Security Number (SSN).

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Foreign Degrees or Transcripts – Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. HCAI accepts foreign transcript evaluations completed by agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or by current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted to apply for this position. Limit responses to 2 pages, Typed, 12 point Arial Font, 1 inch margins.
  1. Please describe your education, training, and experience related to conducting empirical research and evaluation. Please include a description of your experience with specific research methods and experience conducting research in an applied setting.
  2. Please describe your experience working with claims data, hospital financial data or health care utilization data.
  3. Please provide an example where you developed, led and executed a long-term research project.
  To support fair hiring, applicants should prepare their application materials using their own knowledge, experience, and skills. Your responses should show your own qualifications and work history. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools should only be used responsibly.