Research Associate

About the Opportunity

West Virginia University's Health Affairs Institute frequently engages in collaborative efforts with West Virginia's Department of Health Human Services (DoHS). Ideal candidates will have work experience that aligns with the mission of DOHS's Bureau for Medical Services, Bureau for Children and Families, Bureau for Behavioral Health, and Bureau for Public Health.

The Research Associate is a key participant in the emerging State-University partnership between the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Human Services. Overarching responsibilities include working with the state to leverage their data and support analytic and policy needs, conducting relevant policy and evaluation research, participating in interdisciplinary research and evaluation teams, and providing oversight and support to other data analysts and personnel embedded within the Department for Human Services. The Research Associate will be an employee of the West Virginia University; however, this individual will be embedded within the Health Affairs Institute and will work full-time out of the office located in Charleston, West Virginia.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Serves as a University representative and liaison to the West Virginia Department of Human Services for the planning and performance of projects, programs and activities involving health data analytics and program evaluation.
• Work as part of a team to advance the partnership between the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Human Services
• Facilitates communication and efficient collaboration between research partners at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the staff of the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
• Oversee and conduct analyses of Medicaid claims data using SAS and other statistical analysis packages at the direction of the Director of Health Data Analytics or leadership within the Department for Human Services.
• Support both West Virginia University faculty as well as leadership within the Department for Human Services in using Medicaid claims data as well as other state data sources to answer research questions of interest to the state.
• Train other West Virginia University faculty in analyzing Medicaid claims data and other state data sources using SAS or other statistical analysis packages.
• Ensure that data analytic and research/evaluation activities are compliant with university-level policies for the responsible conduct of research as well as federal, and state policies.
• Provides consultation to faculty and government partners regarding preparation of research proposals, design and methodology, data analytics and interpretation of results.
• Identify opportunities for potential collaborations between the Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
• Prepares reports as required by the University, the Health Sciences Center administration, and external agencies. Communicates results of analytic projects and program evaluations with relevant staff of the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
• Conducts or directs special projects as assigned. Acts in other matters and capacities as delegated by the Associate Vice President for Health Affairs or the Director of Health Data Analytics.
• Assist with the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts

Qualifications

• PhD in health or data science-related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience:
  • Record of research and achievement in health outcomes and policy research (health services research, public health informatics, health policy, clinical outcomes) as evidenced by publications and / or sustained involvement in a research program.
  • Experience conducting research/evaluation using large health data sources within the healthcare industry or academic or governmental sectors
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing large health databases for research, program evaluation, and policy development.
• Experience analyzing Medicaid administrative claims data.
• Extensive knowledge in the use of standard statistical analysis packages such as SAS or R
• Experience designing and overseeing large research projects using administrative claims data.
• Record of successfully publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts in the field of health services research
• Experience training and / or supervising other individuals in using statistical analysis packages to analyze administrative claims data.
• Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Record of accomplishments in health data analytics.
• Strong ability to communicate goals, methods, and results of research initiatives with key stakeholders.
• Proficiency presenting the results of data analyses to diverse groups of stakeholders.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West 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.

Job Posting: Aug 12, 2026

Posting Classification: FE/AP

Exemption Status: Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule: Full-time

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