Job Details

About The OpportunityThe Health Affairs Institute at West Virginia University is hiring a Health Economist (Hybrid). The institute leads collaborative activities with the West Virginia Department of Health Services, providing data analytic support, program evaluation expertise, and project management. Locations are in Morgantown and Charleston. The institute employs over 80 staff with faculty partners.ResponsibilitiesConduct and oversee economic modeling using claims data to assess outcomes and system performance.Support data‑driven decision making for state health programs and policies.Develop economic models for efficient resource allocation and stakeholder communication.Maintain sophisticated models to forecast the financial impact of health policies.Conduct sensitivity analyses and stress testing of models.Build a knowledge repository of industry best practices.Provide analytic guidance for financial and economic outcomes using conventional and predictive study designs.Perform comparative evaluations and retrospective studies.Build repeatable and scalable analytic processes.Generate executive presentations for stakeholders.Promote and shape HAI best practices concerning automation and documentation.Contribute to department initiatives around automation, machine learning, AI use, and tooling improvements.Maintain compliance with laws and regulations for research conduct and data security.Execute health economic outcomes research (cost‑benefit, cost‑effectiveness, budget impact).Analyze Medicaid and commercial claims data using SQL, SAS, R, or Python.Collaborate with cross‑functional teams of data scientists, policy analysts, and state partners.Support grant proposals and project scoping with economic insights.Mentor other analysts as directed.Lead training modules and data risk assessments.Identify and troubleshoot data problems.Provide consultation on analysis and visualization best practices.Participate in stakeholder meetings.Develop quality assurance processes.Ensure compliance with HAI, university, and federal/state policies.Consult on research proposal preparation, design, methodology, and interpretation.Identify collaboration opportunities between the Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Human Services.Prepare reports for university, administration, and external agencies.Lead special projects as assigned.QualificationsDoctoral degree in Economics, Health Economics, Public Policy, Biostatistics, or a related field.At least five (5) years of relevant experience with a proven track record in health economic outcomes research.Strong technical and mathematical ability (e.g., mathematics, economics, physics, computer science).Proficiency in SQL, SAS, R, or Python for data manipulation and modeling.Applied econometric skills and experience with large datasets.Strong communication skills and ability to present findings to nontechnical stakeholders.Preferred experience working with state agencies or healthcare organizations.Ability to communicate policy implications clearly and concisely.Experience in fast‑paced, collaborative environments.Preferred background in government, consulting, or applied research settings.Record of research and achievement in health outcomes and policy research, with publications and a sustained research program.Experience conducting research/evaluation within academic and governmental sectors.Desired skills in geospatial analysis and predictive analytics using machine learning.All qualifications must be met at the time of employment.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesTrack record of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.Ability to formulate health economic outcomes research and innovative evaluation approaches.Strong verbal and written communication, including presentation skills.Extensive knowledge of U.S. healthcare systems.Experience utilizing large health databases for research, evaluation, and policy development.Knowledge of machine learning and geospatial analysis.Positive and collaborative attitude.Record of accomplishments in health data analytics.Proficiency with SAS or R.Knowledge of handling mortality data and Medicaid claims data.Training and facilitation skills.Understanding of data security and compliance, especially HIPAA and PHI.Benefits37.5‑hour work week13 paid holidays24 annual leave days per year18 sick days per yearHealth insurance and other benefits401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution matchWellness programsRequirementsValid driver's license and ability to travel intermittently if required.Equal Opportunity EmployerWest Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.#J-18808-Ljbffr