Population Health Research Scientist

This position will report directly to the Population Health Administrative Manager, with direction from the Chief of Population Health and Accountable Care. This role will serve as a research scientist and will co-lead the Population Health Systems Learning, Evaluation and Dissemination (PH-SLED) program alongside the PH-SLED Medical Director. Using rigorous scientific methods and statistical analysis, this role will lead the design, analytic support, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement of high-profile population health initiatives. This position will lead the development of grant proposals, institutional review board submissions, and the preparation of work for dissemination at the national level at conferences and through research publications. He or she will provide mentorship and education to junior and senior population health team members in study design, analysis, writing, and quality improvement methodology. This position will also be responsible for project management duties for population health initiatives including the formation of project teams, advising meeting facilitators, developing project specifications, plans, and tracking/reporting structures, clinical analytics, clinical and EHR workflow development, and presentation. The incumbent must be familiar with a variety of program management approaches and study designs to support improvement science, including quasi-experimental studies with concurrent controls, stepped wedge design, and clinical trials. The research scientist should be familiar with multiple methods of statistical analysis used in improvement or healthcare delivery science including interrupted time series, statistical control charts, logistic regression and others using SAS or Stata. He or she will be able to perform literature reviews, modeling and analytic visualizations at a high level.

Apply By Date: 1/24/2025 at 11:59 pm - Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Relevant graduate degree required: Master's degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, health services research, quantitative science or comparable education/work experience
• Minimum five (5) years healthcare industry or academic healthcare experience with a focus on quality improvement and operational research including research using administrative claims, electronic medical records, other healthcare data, and/or economic modeling.
• Knowledge of operational study design methods including but not limited to quasi-experimental studies, stepped wedge design, cluster design, and randomized controlled trials.
• Experience analyzing datasets from the electronic health record, registry and other data using SAS, Stata, or other similar languages.
• Ability to communicate with individuals at various levels within the organization and external partners.
• Outstanding critical thinking, questioning, and listening skills; superior attention to detail.
• Responsible for the coordination and completion of assigned projects, including project definition, assignment of task responsibilities, setting deadlines, and all other aspects of project management.
• Independently identifies and works to remediate project obstacles.
• Time management skills for managing multiple individual and team tasks simultaneously while completing work within allocated time frames.
• Communication skills to work effectively with physicians, hospital and clinical personnel at UC Davis and external collaborators.
• Computer skills sufficient to effectively use MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access (or comparable database program) MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat as well as electronic health records (Epic).
• Experience in at least one computer programming language or analytical programming language (R, Python, SAS, Stata, etc).

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD preferred
• Experience with data visualization tools preferred (Tableau, Qlik, etc)
• Experience with SQL preferred
• Guides clinical teams and other stakeholders on large scope projects: designing studies, developing metrics, retrieving data, and ensuring validity of results.
• Utilizes advanced analytical and/or statistical ability to evaluate data and make judgments and recommendations regarding process and outcome improvement work, including: resource utilization, operational efficiency, and clinical pathway effectiveness.
• Proposes and creates innovative and appropriate data analytic solutions for the measurement of processes and outcomes.
• Advises on new data models and documentation practices.
• Demonstrates excellent presentation and communication skills to share findings in an understandable and actionable manner.
• Ability to integrate the understanding of the Health System's mission, commitments and projects within a service-oriented health care environment.
• The candidate must be able to utilize metrics and technology in a way that drives excellence and supports operations.
• Analytical skills to effectively understand large amounts of complex medical, administrative and fiscal information.
• Planning skills to analyze program goals and objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills to determine workload priorities to enable timely completion of tasks. Ability to work effectively and independently under pressure with a minimum of direction.
• The ideal candidate must be able to build outstanding relationships at all levels of the organization in an environment that is managed through relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to express ideas assertively, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others to secure necessary information and cooperation from a wide range of stakeholders.
• Open, honest and ethical; unimpeachable professional and personal integrity.
• Apparent energy, drive and passion for excellence.
• A practical and direct individual who communicates complex ideas clearly, simply and convincingly.
• An ability to make decisions based on fact and sound judgment.
• Creative, innovative, and flexible.
• A sharp, rigorous thinker who can operate successfully among very bright, progressive and charismatic people.
• Has outstanding relationship building and networking skills; is comfortable managing expectations.
• A resourceful, action-oriented individual who possesses a strong sense of urgency and who knows how to overcome obstacles to get things done in a timely fashion.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• 65% - Leading Evaluation and Dissemination of Health System Initiatives
• 10% - Foster Relationships & Service
• 25% - Accountable Care and Population Health Program Management, Performance Analysis, and Improvement Plan Design

Department Overview

The vision for the Office of Population Health and Accountable Care is to implement UCDH's mission by engaging our patients and community using the power of teams and technology to provide compassionate, collaborative, and equitable care across the continuum through results-driven care management, actionable data, and evidence-based practice.

We view population health as a common unifier in delivering health and healthcare across disciplines, specialties, community, and industry. Population health is a philosophy or approach to bridge the needs of our patients and community to the care we provide in order to keep patients healthier at home. We hope to improve delivery of care across the continuum at the right time, with the right care teams, and in the right settings.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $9,691.67 - $21,225.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: RSCH DATA ANL 5
• UC Job Code: 006609
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: 8 hours
• Location: UCDHAS Building (HSP165)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
• This is not a H-1b Visa Opportunity

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check(s), including but not limited to criminal record history background check(s)
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don't meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks