Sr Scientist - PMB

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Sr. Scientist to serve as a senior research leader within the Military Health Economics and Policy Research Lab (MILHEP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) School of Medicine. Working closely with the MILHEP Director (Dr. Jangho Yoon) and Co-Director (Dr. Patrick Richard), the Sr. Scientist will provide scientific and operational leadership to advance the lab's active research portfolio toward successful completion, actively engage with key stakeholders of the Military Health System (MHS), support the identification and pursuit of high-impact funded research opportunities, help build collaborations between MILHEP investigators and the broader MHS research community, and contribute to strategic efforts to establish MILHEP as a self-sustainable research enterprise for rigorous health economics research and policy evaluation in serve to the MHS and its beneficiaries. This is a senior leadership role requiring independent scientific judgment, deep expertise in health systems research in the MHS context, and the ability to work effectively across a dynamic, policy-relevant research environment.

This position will be in support of the Military Health Economics and Policy Research Lab (MILHEP), the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) School of Medicine. The MILHEP conducts and disseminates full-scope and rapid-response research to enhance understanding of policy levers and system factors influencing effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of the Military Health System for military populations, especially Uniformed Service Members, retirees, and their families. The research team utilizes rigorous economic, econometric, machine learning, and other computational methods, grounded in solid theoretical frameworks, to analyze the impacts of crucial health policies and proposals on the health of the military service population, health care delivery and costs, and value within the health system.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Works closely with the MILHEP Director and Co-Director to provide scientific and operational leadership across the lab's active research portfolio, ensuring all projects are executed with rigor, relevance, and timely delivery.
• Supports and advances the planning, execution, and day-to-day management of multiple concurrent DoW- and DHA-funded research projects, from study design through dissemination
  of findings.
• Leads research activities and coordinates across project teams under the direction of the MILHEP Director and Co-Director, ensuring integration and consistency of methods, timelines, and deliverables.
• Trains, mentors, and supervises junior research scientists, research associates, and technical staff, fostering a high-performance and collaborative research environment.
• Actively engages with key stakeholders of the MHS, including the Defense Health Agency, Uniformed Services University leadership, DoW health policy officials, and relevant Congressional entities, to ensure research remains aligned with operational and policy priorities.
• Helps establish and cultivate strategic collaborative relationships between MILHEP investigators and the broader military health systems research community, including academic institutions, federal agencies, and policy research organizations.
• Contributes to strategic planning efforts to position MILHEP as a self-sustainable, nationally recognized research hub for rigorous health economics research and health policy evaluation.
• Makes major contributions to scientific literature and professional conferences; prepares and reviews publication-ready manuscripts, technical reports, and policy briefs.
• Finalizes research reports, deliverables, and data products for submission to sponsor in agencies including DHA and other DoW entities.
• Maintains detailed workbooks and documentation and ensures that all research activities fulfill generally accepted professional, regulatory, and sponsor standards.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Sc.D., or equivalent) in Health Services Research, Health Policy, or a closely related field required.
• More than 10 years of progressively responsible experience in health policy and/or health services research required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in health systems research and military or federal health policy, with demonstrated ability to contribute to and advance complex, multi-project research programs.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with senior-level stakeholders across military, government, and academic institutions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research findings into clear, policy-relevant recommendations for non-technical audiences.
• Experience contributing to evaluating competitive research funding applications through federal grant and contract mechanisms, including DoW, NIH, or equivalent sponsors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and mentor research staff, with a track record of supporting the professional development of junior researchers.
• Advanced proficiency in military health databases.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound scientific judgment while collaborating effectively with lab leadership.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an in-person office setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $127,000 - $190,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.