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The Senior Research Scientist supports Humana’s efforts to improve Health Outcomes Survey, or HOS, performance through applied research and quantitative analysis. This role develops evidence on the drivers of HOS outcomes, identifies potential leading indicators, translates behavioral and survey science into practical insights, and provides rapid analytical support for high-impact business questions.
The Senior Research Scientist works across HOS Operations and Stars Analytics to inform intervention strategy, portfolio development, and the use of predictive models for member outreach. Assignments involve moderately complex to complex issues requiring sound research judgment, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate findings into clear recommendations.
The Senior Research Scientist will serve as a research and analytical thought partner to HOS Operations, Stars Analytics, and other stakeholders working to improve HOS outcomes.
This individual will establish and continually strengthen the evidence base surrounding the drivers of HOS performance. The role will include developing an inventory of potential HOS leading indicators, evaluating relevant enterprise data sources, monitoring emerging behavioral and survey science, and conducting rapid analyses in response to high-impact business questions.
The Senior Research Scientist will independently lead less complex research and analytical projects from initial problem framing through recommendation. For more complex efforts, the individual will lead substantial components of the work in partnership with the Director and other members of the CAHPS & HOS Analytics team.
This role requires someone who can bring structure to ambiguous questions, select appropriate analytical approaches, assess the strength and limitations of available evidence, and communicate practical implications to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Build an evidence base on the factors associated with HOS performance.
- Develop and maintain an inventory of potential HOS leading indicators.
- Monitor behavioral science, survey research, competitive intelligence, and healthcare research relevant to HOS improvement.
- Conduct rapid exploratory and ad hoc analyses using internal and external data.
- Translate ambiguous business questions into structured research plans and actionable recommendations.
- Inform HOS intervention strategy, prioritization, and portfolio development.
- Partner with HOS Operations to guide the appropriate use of predictive models for member targeting and outreach.
- Communicate findings, limitations, and recommendations clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.
- Proactively identify emerging HOS risks, opportunities, and research questions.
- Facilitate cross-functional discussions about evidence, targeting, and intervention design.
Use your skills to make an impact
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative, behavioral science, social science, or related field and 5 years of relevant analytical or applied research experience; OR Master’s or Doctoral degree in a related field and 3 or more years of relevant experience.
- Experience with data manipulation, exploratory analysis, interpretation, and visualization.
- Proficiency with at least one analytical or statistical programming language, such as Python, R, SAS, or SQL.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including translating technical findings for nontechnical audiences.
- Passion for contributing to an organization focused on continuously improving consumer experiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with behavioral science, survey methodology, psychometrics, or member-reported outcomes.
- Experience with healthcare data, Medicare Advantage, Stars, HOS, CAHPS, patient experience, or quality improvement.
- Experience conducting literature reviews, evidence syntheses, or competitive intelligence.
- Experience applying research insights to intervention design or consumer outreach.
- Experience interpreting predictive models and translating outputs into operational strategies.
- Familiarity with large, complex data environments and visualization tools such as Databricks or Power BI.
Success in the Role
A successful Senior Research Scientist for HOS Analytics will:
- Bring clarity and analytical structure to ambiguous HOS questions.
- Strengthen the evidence base around the drivers of HOS performance.
- Connect behavioral and survey science to practical improvement opportunities.
- Identify leading indicators that support earlier detection of performance risks.
- Translate research and predictive insights into actionable intervention and outreach strategies.
- Become a trusted thought partner to HOS Operations and Analytics.
Additional Information
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: 10-17-2026
About us
About Humana: Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
