Senior Research Associate - Senior Epidemiologist

GA - Atlanta

29314

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence‑based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Westat is seeking an experienced epidemiologist to provide key support and oversight on a range of research projects involving epidemiological, administrative, and clinical datasets. Working closely with external and internal project teams, you will contribute to analytic planning, support implementation of data analyses, and provide epidemiological expertise across projects. The role includes contributing to scientific peer‑reviewed publications, translating complex findings into actionable insights for clinical, regulatory, and executive stakeholders, and supporting clear decision‑making and dissemination.

In addition, you will contribute to the development of code and algorithms that can be shared internally to address defined epidemiologic and evaluation questions, ensuring results are scientifically robust and study methods are well documented.

This is a full‑time position to work on site at our office in Atlanta, Georgia at least 1‑2 days/week and from your home office 3‑4 days/week.

• Support development and implementation of statistical analysis plans, including coordination with data management teams on database design, selection of statistical methods, project timelines, and formats for presenting results.
• Support the management and execution of multiple concurrent, complex projects, including data management, analytical programming, and quality control processes to ensure consistency and scientific rigor across survey, epidemiologic surveillance, and clinical research workflows.
• Contribute to statistical analyses for epidemiological and clinical research projects, including preparation of formatted tables and outputs, verification of results, and ensuring the quality and integrity of analyses and project deliverables.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills through preparation of reports and analytical deliverables, participation in internal project meetings, and presentation of findings to internal and external audiences.
• Serve as an epidemiological resource to project teams and collaborate with clients and external investigators.
• Support development of automated reporting, dashboards, and data visualizations to strengthen monitoring, interim analyses, and stakeholder communication (e.g., R Markdown/Tableau).

• Master's degree in epidemiology or biostatistics
• Minimum 8 years of experience in government contracting, preferably with federal health care agencies (e.g., CDC, NIH).
• Advanced proficiency with SAS and R for epidemiologic analyses and experience working across mixed data sources (surveillance, survey, administrative, clinical).

• Demonstrated experience identifying and resolving analytic issues using problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills, including query resolution, interim monitoring, and data integrity checks across multicenter studies.
• Ability to communicate complex statistical concepts clearly to audiences with and without formal statistical training and translate results for clinical, regulatory, and executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships, collaborate as part of a research team, and provide technical assistance to partners and cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated writing and communication skills, including contributions to peer‑reviewed manuscripts and analytic reports.
• Experience supporting clinical research programs, including data management oversight and regulatory‑ready documentation.

Westat offers a well‑rounded and comprehensive…