The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) seeks a research assistant to serve on the Commission’s staff.
MedPAC is a small, nonpartisan support agency established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33) to provide independent policy and technical advice to the U.S. Congress on issues affecting the Medicare program. MedPAC analyzes and reports on all aspects of Medicare payment policy and is frequently called upon by the Congress to provide expert testimony and technical assistance during development of legislation.
The candidate chosen for the position will perform a variety of tasks including compiling data, data programming (using software such as SAS, Stata, R), data visualization, literature reviews, and coordinating and summarizing interviews with stakeholders. Research assistants write policy briefs and present findings in public, so we particularly value candidates with strong written and oral communication skills. They must be willing to work both independently and as part of a team and show initiative in taking on assigned tasks. A willingness to work in a nonpartisan environment is essential.
Research skills
A successful candidate for this position will have:
- Experience with quantitative and qualitative research, with preference given to experience researching health policy topics.
- Familiarity and comfort with statistics, data analysis, and spreadsheet analysis.
- Resourcefulness to investigate complex issues and synthesize information in a timely and complete manner.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
- Willingness and determination to learn new skills.
- Knowledge of health policy or public policy.
Writing and communications skills
- Ability to coherently and concisely communicate research findings in writing.
- Strong speaking skills to present research findings.
Education and experience
Candidates should have graduated from a bachelor’s program or have an expected graduation by January 2025 in a discipline such as economics, political science, public policy, health services research, public health, health administration, pre-medicine, or related field.
Work location and schedule
The ideal candidate will be available to start work in the first quarter of 2025, upon completion of their bachelor’s degree, and commit to the position for at least two years. MedPAC research assistants have gone on to attend graduate school in various fields (law, public policy, economics, medicine, nursing) or have taken positions in health care research and policy organizations.
This is a full-time position based in downtown Washington, DC. Interested applicants should be available to work in the office three days per week with flexibility to attend other in-person events as needed. MedPAC staff have flexibility for telework twice per week, and other times as needed.
Salary and benefits
Salaries at MedPAC are competitive with those at other organizations and are commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. MedPAC offers excellent benefits and a collegial, collaborative, respectful work environment.
How to apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to RAjobposting@medpac.gov.
The writing samples should demonstrate clear communication and critical thinking.
Must be a U.S. citizen.