Senior Research Scientist

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The Senior Research Scientist applies statistical, epidemiologic, and causal inference methods to large, complex healthcare datasets to evaluate clinical program performance, identify drivers of outcomes, and inform strategic and operational decisions.

This role will be part of the Quality & Cost Strategy Analytics team supporting the performance management and evaluation of clinical programs. The Senior Research Scientist will design and execute rigorous outcomes studies, conduct deep-dive analyses to diagnose program performance, and translate complex analytical findings into clear recommendations for clinical, operational, and business partners.

The role requires strong analytical judgment, structured problem solving, and the ability to independently navigate complex and ambiguous business questions.

Humana’s Quality & Cost Strategy Analytics team is seeking a Senior Research Scientist (Remote) to support the evaluation and performance management of clinical programs.

At Humana, we are focused on transforming the healthcare experience by improving health outcomes, managing healthcare costs, and advancing operational excellence. The Quality & Cost Strategy Analytics team operates at the intersection of clinical strategy, analytics, and enterprise value , using rigorous research and advanced analytics to inform clinical priorities and improve outcomes for our members.

Our team partners across the organization to identify opportunities, evaluate and optimize clinical solutions, and generate actionable insights that support high-value care. We apply rigorous performance measurement and research methods to understand what is working, for whom, and why , and translate those insights into opportunities for continuous program improvement.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Research Scientist, you will:

• •Design and execute rigorous outcomes studies to evaluate the clinical, utilization, and financial performance of clinical programs using observational and experimental methods.
• •Apply causal inference, epidemiologic, and statistical methods to estimate program impact and generate credible evidence for decision-making.
• •Conduct deep-dive analyses using medical and pharmacy claims, enrollment, and operational data to identify key performance drivers, diagnose performance gaps, and uncover opportunities for improvement.
• •Translate broad or ambiguous clinical and business questions into well-defined analytical questions, hypotheses, and study designs.
• •Partner with clinical, operational, financial, and business stakeholders to translate analytical insights into recommendations that inform clinical strategy, program design, contracting, and performance improvement.
• •Develop high-quality analytical reports, presentations, and executive-level readouts for internal and external stakeholders.
• •Translate complex methodologies and findings into clear, actionable business insights, communicating both implications and analytical limitations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• •Independently determine appropriate analytical approaches and make sound methodological decisions in complex or ambiguous situations.
• •Manage multiple analytical priorities while maintaining high standards for methodological rigor, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• •Understand broader department, segment, and enterprise strategies and connect analytical work to key operating and strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications

• •Master’s degree or PhD in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Economics, Statistics, Health Services Research, Clinical Informatics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• •3+ years of experience applying statistical, epidemiologic, econometric, or related quantitative methods to large, complex datasets.
• •Strong foundation in causal inference and study design, including observational studies, comparative effectiveness research, and randomized controlled trials.
• •3+ years of experience manipulating and analyzing large datasets using Python, PySpark, R, SAS, or comparable analytical tools.
• •Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to translate ambiguous business or clinical problems into rigorous analytical approaches.
• •Ability to select and apply appropriate analytical methodologies to moderately complex to complex research and business questions.
• •Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex methodologies and results into clear business insights and recommendations for non-technical audiences.
• •Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• •Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal guidance while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• •Strong interest in healthcare and a passion for improving health outcomes and healthcare value.

Preferred Qualifications

• •Experience working in health insurance, managed care, healthcare analytics, or health services research.
• •Strong understanding of healthcare payer economics, including healthcare utilization, medical cost, and total cost of care.
• •Experience working with medical claims, pharmacy claims, laboratory data, eligibility/enrollment data, and clinical program operational data.
• •Familiarity with clinical concepts across chronic and specialty conditions, such as cardiology, chronic kidney disease, oncology, or other high-cost clinical conditions.
• •Experience evaluating clinical programs, care management interventions, or value-based healthcare initiatives.
• •Familiarity with advanced causal inference and causal machine learning techniques, such as double/debiased machine learning, doubly robust estimation, and meta-learners.
• •Proficiency in Python and PySpark, with experience working in Databricks and Microsoft Azure.

Use your skills to make an impact

This role is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Work at Home Requirements: To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees’ ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees must meet the following criteria: At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is required; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested. In certain roles, the minimum recommended internet speed required by Humana may not be sufficient for business needs. Humana reserves the right to require associates to upgrade their internet service if necessary. Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information.

Travel: While this is a remote position, occasional travel to Humana's offices for training or meetings may be required.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Pay Range

The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.

$104,000 - $143,000 per year

This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.

Description of Benefits

Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, “Humana”) offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.

Application Deadline: 11-1