Health Economist, Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis

The   Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC)  seeks a Health Economist to support a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis within the HPC, an independent state agency on the forefront of health care policy and cost containment in Massachusetts.

Addressing rising pharmaceutical pricing, spending, and patient access issues are a top focus for the HPC and leading state policymakers, culminating in the recent passage of historic legislation in Massachusetts that limited out-of-pocket costs for certain high-value drugs, required the licensure of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and established this new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis.    Mission of the Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis    Newly established within the HPC in 2025, the Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis (OPPA) conducts nation-leading research and develops key policy recommendations related to pharmaceutical drug access and affordability, serving as the hub of expertise on pharmaceutical drug policy for the Commonwealth.

The main functions of OPPA are to collect and analyze pharmaceutical spending data and information, develop and share reports and cutting-edge analyses of trends related to access, affordability, and spending on pharmaceutical drugs in the Commonwealth, and issue recommendations on pivotal matters related to pharmaceutical policy.    Role and Responsibilities Duties of this position may include, but are not limited to :

• Supporting the development and achievement of agency strategic and research objectives as they relate to pharmaceutical policy and data analysis; Conducting analyses to understand trends in pharmaceutical access, utilization, affordability, spending, and other related topics in the Commonwealth using descriptive statistics, regression modeling, and other statistical methods; Working in Stata, SAS, SQL, Tableau, and / or Python to create analytic files from claims and survey data; Developing and administering data surveys; Drafting legislative reports, policy recommendations, white papers, and other associated collateral materials relating to pharmaceutical policy; Reviewing and synthesizing the academic literature and industry studies relevant to various topics relating to pharmaceutical policy; Participating in meetings with industry leaders, advocates, and other stakeholders; and Collaborating internally with other HPC departments on work related to pharmaceuticals.   Requirements and Qualifications   Desired Qualifications (knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors) : A minimum of five years’ experience in pharmaceutical policy research and analysis, preferably with direct experience in state or federal government; Significant subject matter expertise in pharmaceutical pricing and policy, especially related to access, affordability, and implications for spending growth; Experience programming with Stata, SAS, SQL, Python or other standard statistical software.
• Stata experience a plus; Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data sources related to the development and pricing of pharmaceutical drugs and therapies, as well as pharmaceutical benefit designs; A commitment to understanding and responding to inequities in the access to and affordability of pharmaceutical drugs based on race, ethnicity, language, disability status, and other factors; Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate the results of complex quantitative analyses clearly and concisely to non-technical audiences; The ability to work independently and balance multiple, competing priorities and deadlines; Demonstrated experience working on cross-functional, complex, long-term projects and initiatives in the context of a fast-paced work environment; Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail; A commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration amongst diverse viewpoints, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts; A dedication to public service and a desire to advance a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system for all Massachusetts residents ; Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.    The HPC operates a hybrid work schedule, with employees working two days a week from the HPC’s office in Boston.       Compensation and Benefits    Salary Range     $95,000-$125,000 annually   Salary is commensurate with experience.
• The HPC may adjust title, responsibilities, and salary depending on the experience and expertise of the individual selected.     Benefits     The HPC offers an outstanding and comprehensive package of employee benefits which should be considered toward overall compensation.

These include :

We recognize that diversity in the workplace is a source of strength, vital to its ability to effectively advance its mission.  The HPC is committed to :