Principal || Data Scientist

This position will lead independent and collaborative research programs in biostatistics and health outcomes research, in partnership with public health government agencies, hospitals and health systems, and academic institutions. Apply advanced statistical and epidemiologic methods to real-world evidence (RWE) datasets, including electronic health record, administrative billing, and post-adjudicated claims data, to design observational studies, answer clinically and operationally relevant questions, and produce high-impact peer-reviewed publications. Lead the development of statistical analysis plans and research protocols, and translate study findings into new products, services, and features that support quality improvement, population health management, and policy.

A doctoral degree and considerable research experience are required. A clinical or public health background is desired, along with an understanding of how clinicians wish to deploy analytics in support of quality improvement and population health management applications.

This level is recognized as expert in their field, knowledgeable of emerging trends and industry practices. Works without supervision with complete latitude for independent judgment. May mentor less experienced peers and display leadership as needed.

• →Biostatistics and Epidemiology

• →Real-World Evidence and Observational Research

• →Partner engagement: public health agencies, health systems, and academia

Research Leadership and Collaboration – 25%

• →Lead research projects in collaboration with public health government agencies, hospitals and health systems, and academic institutions

• →Translate research findings into new products, services, and features with product and engineering teams, and provide scientific leadership for large scale implementation

• →Design, conduct, and evaluate observational studies (e.g., cohort and cross-sectional) using RWE datasets, including administrative and EHR data

• →Work with internal and external SMEs to identify research questions that improve quality, safety, and efficiency across the healthcare system

Study Design and Statistical Methodology – 25%

• →Serve as a subject matter expert in biostatistics and epidemiology across business domains (Cost, Clinical, MDM, etc.)

• →Develop statistical analysis plans and research protocols for studies and strategic initiatives

• →Apply advanced statistical methods, including GLMs, GLMMs, GAMs, ZIPs, hypothesis testing, propensity score matching, and IPW, and causal inference methods (e.g., mediation analysis, structural equation modeling) where appropriate, to produce valid and reproducible results

• →Generate and test hypotheses and interpret study results for clinical, operational, and policy audiences

Stakeholder Engagement and Research Partnerships – 15%

• →Facilitate & lead meetings with public health agencies, health system and hospital partners, academic collaborators, and internal teams to define research questions and requirements

• →Analyze partner needs, procedures and problems, design research approaches and make recommendations

• →Use clinical, public health, or technical background to interpret partner needs and translate them into clinically meaningful research and products

• →Translate research findings into features and requirements that feed product backlogs

Publishing and Presentations – 20%

• →Generate peer reviewed publications in high-impact journals as first or lead author, highlighting Premier’s research and innovative methodologies

• →Create patent submissions to protect Premier’s intellectual property

• →Publicly present innovative work at conferences and symposiums to demonstrate Premier’s thought

Knowledge Sharing - Operations – 10%

• →Provide statistical and research methodology advice, demonstrations and presentations to colleagues, client, and management

• →Provide mentoring and training

Research Operations – 10%

• →On your own or indirectly supervising research teams to:

• →Develop project estimates, research timelines, and work plans

• →Identify develop, review, and evolve best practices, standards, and processes for rigorous, reproducible research

• →Participate in the review of team member analyses and deliverables

Work Experience:

Education:

Skills:

• Strong business/healthcare analytics, statistics, simulation and advanced mathematics, data search, and matching experience

• Leading collaborative research with government, health system, and academic partners

• Excellent writing and speaking skills

• Technical: R (Tidyverse), Python, and SQL; data modeling

Experience:

• Considerable post-doctoral research experience leading observational studies in healthcare, public health, or epidemiology

• Biostatistics, epidemiology, and health outcomes research; machine learning experience a plus

• Strong knowledge of real-world evidence (RWE) datasets, including administrative and EHR data

• Strong track record of applied statistics, including GLMs, GLMMs, GAMs, ZIPs, hypothesis testing, propensity score matching, and inverse probability weighting (IPW)

• Development of statistical analysis plans and leading research projects

• Proven track record publishing in high-impact peer-reviewed journals as first or lead author, with observational study designs (e.g., cohort and cross-sectional), and experience submitting patent applications

• Experience with customer engagement, collaboration, and conflict management

• Experience teaching in a related domain in the university setting

• Causal inference (e.g., mediation analysis, structural equation modeling)

• Experience with Posit and Databricks

Education:

• Doctorate (required); terminal degree in statistics, biostatistics, or epidemiology preferred

• Granted World's Most Ethical Companies, Ethisphere, 2008-2026

• Named U.S. News & World Report, Best Companies to Work For (2023, 2024, 2025)

• Accredited by Forbes: America’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2024-2025

• Given Modern Healthcare Best in Business Awards: Consultants- Healthcare Management

• Awarded Cigna Workforce Designation Gold Level Recipient (2016,2017,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023,2025)

For a listing of all of our awards, please visit the Awards and Recognition section on our company website.

• Perks and discounts

• Access to on-site and online exercise classes

Premier is looking for smart, agile individuals like you to help us transform the healthcare industry. Here you will find critical thinkers who have the freedom to make an impact. Colleagues who share your thirst to learn more and do things better. Teammates committed to improving the health of a nation. See why incredible challenges require incredible people.
 

Premier is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful discrimination because of their age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, pregnancy status, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, covered military or protected veteran status (e.g., status as a Vietnam Era veteran, disabled veteran, special disabled veteran, Armed Forces Serviced Medal veteran, recently separated veteran, or other protected veteran) disability, or any other applicable federal, state or local protected class, trait or status or that of persons with whom an applicant associates. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Premier complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply.  EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer.

Premier also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability or those who have a sincerely held religious belief. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to diversity_and_accommodations@premierinc.com or contact Premier Recruiting at 704.357.0022.

Personal Information submitted will be processed in accordance with Premier's Employee and Job Applicant Privacy Notice, which includes additional information about your privacy rights.