Principal Research Associate

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 an immediate opening for a Principal Research Associate to join our team. Our work focuses on evaluations and technical assistance to strengthen behavioral health and public health policies. You will be supporting projects that address the needs of individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
In this collaborative, fast-paced role, you will work with federal clients, project leaders, and multidisciplinary teams to translate behavioral health research into practical resources and planned technical assistance activities for policymakers, clinical providers, and people affected by mental health conditions and substance use disorders. You will provide strategic leadership and subject matter expertise across topics including prevention, treatment, recovery, health system transformation, service delivery, resilience, substance misuse and overdose prevention, opioid and stimulant use disorders, and access to effective care. Strong writing, leadership, business development, and client management skills are essential to oversee high-visibility deliverables including federal reports, implementation guides, policy analyses, and peer-reviewed articles and ensure their quality, timeliness, and strategic value.
Current work arrangements will be maintained for internal candidates.
Job Responsibilities:

• Independently lead multiple large-scale behavioral health research, evaluation, technical assistance, and training projects, overseeing scope, deliverables, budgets, timelines, staffing, and project teams.
• Direct and oversee all phases of project implementation and deliverables, including study design, data collection, data management, data analysis, report writing, manuscript preparation, dissemination, and client engagement
• Serve as a senior advisor and subject matter expert on behavioral health research, evaluation, and policy issues
• Ensure quality control of all project products and deliverables before client submission
• Lead and mentor senior and junior staff, providing guidance, professional development, performance feedback, and supervision
• Supervise and coordinate the work of subcontractors, consultants, and external partners
• Manage federal client and stakeholder relationships and lead client meetings, presentations and strategic discussions
• Lead and support qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods evaluations and provide strategic interpretation of findings for diverse audiences
• Lead business development and proposal activities, including identifying opportunities, cultivating client and partner relationships, informing bid/no-bid decisions, developing technical approaches, staffing plans, and budgets, selecting partners, drafting technical sections, and reviewing proposals for quality and competitiveness

 Basic Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in public policy, economics, public health, or a social science discipline such as psychology, sociology, or analytical methods such as applied statistics with 8 or more years of relevant experience; or a PhD in public policy, economics, public health, or a social science discipline such as psychology, sociology, or analytical methods such as applied statistics with 5 or more years of relevant postdoctoral experience
• Experience working with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• Experience leading large-scale evaluations and applied research in mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or related areas
• Experience independently managing federal SAMHSA contracts and SAMHSA client relationships
• Experience as lead author or senior reviewer of technical reports, policy analyses, evaluations, and peer-reviewed articles
• Experience leading qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods evaluations using advanced analytics to address policy and program questions
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and supervising, mentoring and developing professional staff.
• Experience identifying and advancing business opportunities and providing technical leadership on successful proposals.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) to prepare high-quality reports, data visualizations, and presentations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Medicaid and Medicare claims and other administrative datasets.
• Demonstrated expertise translating complex technical information into clear, actionable products for policymakers, practitioners, and the public
• Experience overseeing quality assurance and quality control processes
• Experience developing and delivering executive-level presentations and client briefings
• Experience leading training and technical assistance initiatives
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills, including managing multiple priorities
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and professional judgment

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (20 days)
• Sick Leave (9 days)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• 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 may be removed from posting after 100 applications have been received.

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.
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