Associate Director, HEOR

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

Optum Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) is a leading provider of health economics and outcomes research and consulting to help customers realize the full potential of their brands. As an international organization that counts among its customers most of the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies in the world, Optum HEOR has a world-class reputation in consulting, econometrics, and outcomes research. We are seeking high-energy, driven scientists who thrive in a fast-paced environment and who have a talent for communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences.  We offer access to some of the largest secondary data assets available for outcomes research and the resources of our parent company to drive unique data and research opportunities. 

We are seeking a highly skilled Associate Director, VBC and HEOR to join our team and lead value-based contracting analysis to support PBM contracts and lead HEOR research studies. This role will employ health economics and outcomes research to support value-based contracts in the pharmaceutical and device manufacturer space, as well lead HEOR researcher studies with pharmaceutical customers.

The Associate Director, VBC and HEOR will be responsible for overseeing and conducting multiple health Value Based Contracting (VBC) and HEOR projects. Additionally, this role will provide leadership in developing new service offerings and mentoring junior researchers. This role involves leading project teams, analyzing data, developing economic models, and providing strategic insights to optimize PBM contracts and improve patient outcomes. The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative and skilled at building relationships across business silos to ensure alignment and integration of research objectives with broader business goals.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Provide scientific leadership and project management on multiple outcomes research and health economic studies simultaneously
• Lead HEOR studies in designated therapeutic area and VBC consulting to provide sound research design and high-quality analysis
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including PBM, GPO and health plan to help design and implement value-based contracts 
• Lead and manage HEOR studies from conception through publication, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of research outputs.
• Analyze healthcare data, including claims data, clinical trial data, and real-world evidence, to generate insights.
• Prepare and present research findings to internal and external customers and stakeholders.
• Monitor and stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and advancements in health economics and outcomes research.
• Develop and implement economic models to demonstrate the value of pharmaceutical products and services.
• Contribute substantially to HEOR and VBC business development 
• Successfully manage internal study teams and keep studies on timeline and within budget
• Provide consistent superior consultative customer service by focusing on their high-level and immediate business needs
• Mentor junior researchers in methodology and customer interaction

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. 

Required Qualifications: 

Before applying, please ensure each of these experiences are stated clearly on your resume under each applicable employer entry."

• 3+ years of research experience in the pharmaceutical industry, health economics or health outcomes research OR minimum 5 years data driven research experience in another field
• 3+ years of project management experience and demonstrated ability to manage all aspects of a research study from design development to completion
• Understanding of drug reimbursement processes in the US healthcare system
• Experience analyzing secondary data assets, administrative claims databases or electronic medical record data and communicating results
• Experience authoring research protocols or analysis plans and working with a technical team to operationalize
• Proven track record of publication in peer-reviewed literature and/or clinical conference abstracts
• Proven ability to navigate complex enterprise environments and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• 2 - 3 trips to customers and/or conferences annually - domestically within the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with innovative or value-based contracting and PBM contracts
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proven solid attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality research
• Proven passion, dedication and energy, commitment to high standards and core values, and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Proven curious mind and be internally motivated to achieve excellence.  We are seeking smart people who thrive on helping customers solve complex challenges
• Proven excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy 

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, or Washington, D.C. Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $104,700 to $190,400 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission. 

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.