The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is recruiting 12 Social Science Research Analysts at the GS-13 level for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services. The positions are full-time and permanent, with salaries from $107,103 to $156,755 per year depending on the selected duty station.
Vacancies are listed in Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Woodlawn, Kansas City, Dallas and Seattle. The jobs are telework eligible under agency policy but are not remote positions. The announcement is open through October 7, 2026.
What the Analysts Will Work On
These analysts support healthcare policy and program decisions using research, surveys, statistical methods and program evaluation. The work sits inside the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, so Medicaid and CHIP data and policy are central to the role.
The position is not simply a general research job. Analysts are expected to connect data to federal program implementation, oversight, state compliance and technical assistance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop program and policy analyses to understand the needs of health and human-services programs and the people they serve.
- Use market research and statistical techniques to identify ways to improve program services.
- Analyze quality and performance of HHS healthcare programs.
- Direct and coordinate major healthcare research projects related to Medicaid and CHIP.
- Design analytical strategies for implementing and monitoring new requirements.
- Evaluate program outcomes and state compliance.
- Identify policy implications and integrate findings into oversight and technical-assistance work.
GS-13 Experience Requirement
Applicants need at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. The announcement requires experience applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to healthcare data in support of policy, implementation, monitoring, evaluation or compliance.
It also requires experience designing healthcare research or data studies related to Medicaid, CHIP or similar programs; preparing technical documents or recommendations; and advising on data collection, data quality and reporting.
Locations, Travel and Telework
The 12 vacancies may be filled in Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Woodlawn, Kansas City, Dallas or Seattle. Locality pay depends on the duty station selected.
Occasional travel may be required. Telework is available as determined by agency policy, but the announcement specifically states that these are not remote jobs.
Open Continuous Hiring
CMS is using an open-continuous announcement. The final closing date is October 7, 2026, but the first application cut-off is September 7. Applications received by a cut-off can be referred for current vacancies while the announcement remains open.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting for the final closing date.
What Counts as Specialized Experience
The GS-13 announcement is specific about the experience CMS wants to see. Applicants need work applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to healthcare data for policy development, program implementation, monitoring, evaluation or compliance.
The resume must also show experience designing healthcare research or data studies involving Medicaid, CHIP or similar programs, preparing technical documents or recommendations for stakeholders, and advising on data collection, data quality and data reporting. All of these areas are part of the qualification standard, so a resume that demonstrates only general research experience may not be enough.
Federal Application Details
CMS states that resumes are limited to two pages. Each work-history entry should include the position title, employer, dates, hours worked and specific duties. Federal experience should also include the series and grade level.
The announcement is being filled under Direct Hire Authority and is open to U.S. citizens or nationals. A background and suitability investigation applies, but the position does not require a security clearance.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through USAJOBS. The federal resume is limited to two pages and must clearly document qualifying experience, dates, hours worked and the details needed to verify GS-13 eligibility.