The National Quality Forum (NQF), an affiliate of The Joint Commission (TJC), houses a Data and Analytics team that supports the analytical needs of NQF and TJC in advancing their shared mission of improving health care for all people. We support exciting initiatives that advance healthcare patient quality and safety through activities at both organizations. Our group works enterprise wide to support the development and application of data infrastructure and methods for quality measure development and implementation, quality improvement, program evaluation, and data visualization.  Our current work includes developing and supporting approaches to advance the use of next generation measures, including outcome and patient-reported outcome measures calculated using clinical, claims, survey and other data, at scale in Joint Commission and other public and private programs to achieve high quality care for all people.

We are seeking a Data Analyst I who is intellectually curious, collaborative, and passionate about leveraging data to drive innovation in healthcare quality. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in data analysis, visualization, and quality measurement in a mission-driven environment.

As part of a collaborative and innovative team, the Data Analyst I will contribute to data preparation, analysis, and reporting efforts that inform healthcare quality initiatives. To thrive in the role, the candidates need to be detail-oriented in your conception and coding of data models, processes, and analyses, as well as have a strong foundation in statistical methodology. This role contributes to helping researchers, product teams, and policymakers determine how quality measure data impacts health outcomes, disparities, patient safety, and affordability, hence we value both teamwork and interest in the subject matter. As part of a cross-functional, innovative team, the Data Analyst I will work to score, benchmark, and visualize quality measures, expanding the development and use of next-generation quality measures—high priority, low burden measures that improve equity, quality, and affordability—in Joint Commission programs and other scaled public and private payment and accountability programs. The Data Analyst I will report to the Program Director of Data Science, who will provide mentorship, task guidance, and constructive feedback. This position offers a strong foundation for career growth in more advanced data roles in data science, statistics, and other data disciplines.

The position requires in-person attendance two days per week, with flexibility for occasional exceptions. While the preferred location is the Washington, D.C. office, we are open to candidates based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, depending on qualifications and fit.

1. Assist in building data pipelines and preparing analytical datasets using tools such as R, Python, and SQL. Utilize data management and engineering tools and best practices to the extent feasible.
2. Support data quality checks and documentation to ensure accuracy and transparency. Take ownership of the accuracy and quality of your work.
3. Conduct basic data analyses and contribute to interpreting and communicating findings through written, verbal, and visual formats. Go above and beyond not just to deliver output, but ensure team members understand the results, implications, and assumptions. Written, verbal, and visual communication are all key to success in this role.
4. Help develop dashboards and reports that support storytelling and decision-making.
5. Collaborate with team members and subject matter experts to define metrics, refine analysis plans, and implement data strategies.
6. Manage tasks across multiple projects, communicate progress, and contribute to team goals.
7. Steward data security throughout all aspects of our projects by use of procedures and best in concordance with our data governance policies.

Education: Bachelor's degree required with training and experience data manipulation and analysis. The most relevant degrees include Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Epidemiology, Mathematics, Health Informatics.

Requirements:

1. Experience with data analysis through coursework, internships, or research projects.
2. Fluency in R and/or Python for data science tasks.
3. Proven experience successfully completing data deliverables, such as data pipelines and analytical output (e.g. reports, visualizations, dashboards)
4. Ability to create data visualizations and interpret results.
5. Proficiency in core statistical concepts including standard errors, hypothesis testing, bias-variance tradeoffs, and regression modeling.
6. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
7. Willingness to learn and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Preferences:

1. Familiarity with SQL and relational databases.
2. Demonstrated ability to conduct reproducible research using tools such as R Markdown, Quarto, or Jupyter Notebooks, and to effectively present results through interactive dashboards using platforms like Power BI and/or Shiny.
3. Use of Git or other version control software for code development and collaboration.
4. Mastery of core statistical concepts and knowledge of machine learning.
5. Interest in healthcare data, quality measurement, or public health is strongly preferred.
6. Bringing growth mindset, enthusiasm, and compassion to your work and interactions with others

We offer a comprehensive benefit package. For a complete overview of our benefits package, please visit our Joint Commission Career Page 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. The description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and working conditions associated with this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification and reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.