RHTP Research Data Scientist

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Research Data Scientist is the advances analytics and evaluation lead for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and serves as a key member of Montana’s rural health analytics community of practice. This position applies rigorous statistical and quantitative methods to evaluate rural health systems, forecast future needs, and inform strategic decision-making. The data scientist develops predictive models, leads evaluations of RHTP initiatives, and produces policy-relevant insights on access, quality, cost, workforce, and sustainability that guide program implementation, funding decisions, and policy recommendations. The role ensures that Montana meets and exceeds the data and evaluation requirements established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Rural health Transformation Program.

This position operates within a federated analytics model, collaborating closely with the Department’s central analytics tam and Data Management Office to apply shared methods, metrics, and tools white addressing RHTP-specific anlytic needs. The incumbent participates in department-wide analytics communities of practice, helping promote reproducible research methods, reduce duplication, and build statewide capacity for rural health analytics.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining the RHTP team, you’ll help shape the future of rural health care in Montana. These positions offer impactful work improving access and equity for rural communities, competitive salaries and benefits (including health coverage, retirement plans, paid leave, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness), hybrid work options, and opportunities to collaborate statewide.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• 
  Knowledge of health care financing concepts such as reimbursement methodologies, value-bases payment, hospital and clinic cost structures, and public sector budgeting or fiscal processes.

• Ability to translate technical analytic results into concise, accessible narratives and recommendations for decision-makers.

• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners, including rural and tribal stakeholders, and to facilitate meetings and workgroups.

• Preferred:

• Experience building and validating predictive models or risk scores in a health care context, including performance metrics such as AUC, calibration, and fairness/equity checks across subpopulations (e.g., rural vs urban, tribal vs non-tribal).

• Experience with health care claims data (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, commercial) and knowledge of common coding systems (e.g., ICD, CPT, HCPCS, DRG).

• Experience working within or with state agencies, health systems, or health plans on payment models, delivery system reform, or rural health initiatives.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

  • Master's degree in computer science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Public Health or related field.

  • Three years of progressively responsible, job-related work experience in quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, predictive analytics, or program evaluation in a health insurance, hospital/healthcare, consulting, governmental or similar setting.

  • Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• References

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is federally funded through September 30, 2030.