Elevance Health Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Elevance Health is a Fortune 25 company dedicated to improving lives and communities by simplifying healthcare.

The Research Scientist role at Elevance Health involves conducting in-depth health research focused on behavioral health outcomes. The successful candidate will be tasked with data analysis, literature review, and collaborative project design. Key responsibilities include extracting and manipulating large datasets, using statistical methods to analyze data, and generating insightful reports that depict trends in performance measures. The role also requires the development of statistical models to predict and quantify behavioral health outcomes and the ability to present findings to partners and stakeholders. A strong background in quantitative disciplines such as statistics or economics, along with experience in the healthcare sector, is essential. The ideal candidate is not only proficient in statistical software like SAS and Tableau but also has excellent communication skills to convey complex analyses to diverse audiences.

Preparing for an interview for this role will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate questions effectively, demonstrating your alignment with Elevance Health’s mission and values while showcasing your technical expertise and analytical capabilities.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Elevance Health is structured to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is a phone screening with a recruiter, lasting about 30-60 minutes. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. They will focus on your experience in healthcare and your understanding of relevant methodologies, as well as gauge your interest in the position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted virtually and typically lasts around 45 minutes. In this round, you can expect to answer questions related to data analysis, statistical methods, and possibly coding exercises, particularly in SAS or other relevant software. The interviewer may also delve into your experience with large datasets and your ability to manipulate and analyze data effectively.

3. Panel Interviews

Candidates who progress past the technical interview will often face a series of panel interviews. These panels may consist of team members, project leads, and possibly higher management. Each panel interview can last between 30 to 60 minutes and will primarily focus on behavioral questions. Expect to discuss past projects, challenges you've faced, and how you approach problem-solving in a collaborative environment. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is commonly used to frame responses.

4. Final Interview

The final step in the interview process is typically an interview with the hiring manager or a senior leader. This interview is more casual and aims to assess your fit within the team and the organization. You may be asked about your long-term career goals, your understanding of the healthcare landscape, and how you can contribute to Elevance Health's mission.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture to ensure a mutual fit.

Now, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during these interviews.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Role and Its Impact

As a Research Scientist at Elevance Health, your role will significantly impact healthcare outcomes. Familiarize yourself with the specific responsibilities, such as conducting data analysis, designing research studies, and collaborating with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experiences align with these tasks and how you can contribute to improving organizational performance.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

The interview process often includes behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on past experiences where you faced challenges, particularly in healthcare settings, and be ready to articulate how you navigated those situations effectively.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on data analysis and statistical modeling in this role, ensure you are well-versed in relevant software such as SAS and Tableau. Be prepared to discuss your experience with large datasets, statistical methods, and any specific projects where you applied these skills. If you have experience with Medicaid claims data or similar datasets, highlight that as it directly relates to the role.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Elevance Health values collaboration across departments. Be ready to discuss instances where you worked with cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to communicate complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial in your role.

Research the Company Culture

Elevance Health is dedicated to improving lives and communities, and they seek candidates who align with this mission. Familiarize yourself with their values and recent initiatives. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their mission and how your personal values align with the company’s goals.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Ready for a Hybrid Work Discussion

Since this role requires a hybrid work model, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and comfort with both in-office and remote work. Highlight any previous experiences you have had in similar work environments and how you managed your productivity and collaboration in those settings.

Stay Calm and Professional

Interviews can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if the format is unfamiliar. Maintain a calm demeanor, even if the interviewers seem unprepared or if the process feels disorganized. Your professionalism in handling unexpected situations can leave a positive impression.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to Elevance Health's mission of improving healthcare outcomes. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for the Research Scientist role at Elevance Health. The interview process will likely focus on your experience in health research, data analysis, and statistical modeling, as well as your ability to communicate findings effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, methodologies, and how you approach problem-solving in a collaborative environment.

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a difficult challenge you faced in your current or previous role and how you handled it.

This question aims to assess your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, focusing on the specific actions you took to overcome the challenge.

Example

“In my previous role, we faced a significant delay in data collection due to unforeseen circumstances. I organized a series of meetings with stakeholders to identify alternative data sources and reallocated resources to expedite the process. As a result, we were able to meet our project deadlines without compromising data quality.”

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a researcher?

This question helps interviewers understand your self-awareness and areas for growth.

How to Answer

Be honest about your strengths, providing examples of how they have benefited your work. For weaknesses, mention a genuine area for improvement and how you are actively working on it.

Example

“One of my strengths is my analytical ability, which has allowed me to develop robust statistical models. However, I sometimes struggle with time management when juggling multiple projects. To address this, I’ve started using project management tools to prioritize tasks effectively.”

3. Describe a time when you had to work with a cross-functional team. How did you approach collaboration?

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Highlight your ability to collaborate with diverse teams, emphasizing your communication strategies and how you ensured everyone was aligned.

Example

“I worked on a project that required input from both clinical and data analysis teams. I scheduled regular check-ins to ensure everyone was on the same page and created a shared document for updates. This approach fostered open communication and led to a successful project outcome.”

Technical Questions

4. Can you explain the process you follow to build and validate statistical models?

This question assesses your technical expertise in statistical modeling.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you take in model development, including data preparation, model selection, validation techniques, and how you assess model performance.

Example

“I start by cleaning and preparing the data, ensuring it’s suitable for analysis. Then, I select the appropriate model based on the research question and data characteristics. After building the model, I validate it using techniques like cross-validation and assess its performance using metrics such as R-squared and AIC.”

5. How do you handle missing data in your analyses?

This question tests your understanding of data quality issues and your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to address missing data, such as imputation techniques or sensitivity analyses, and explain your rationale for choosing a particular approach.

Example

“When I encounter missing data, I first assess the extent and pattern of the missingness. Depending on the situation, I may use imputation methods like mean substitution or multiple imputation. I also conduct sensitivity analyses to understand how different approaches to handling missing data might affect my results.”

Domain-Specific Questions

6. What experience do you have with analyzing Medicaid claims data?

This question gauges your familiarity with specific datasets relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Share your experience with Medicaid claims data, including any specific projects or analyses you have conducted.

Example

“I have worked extensively with Medicaid claims data in my previous role, where I analyzed patterns in service utilization and costs. This involved preparing analytical datasets and conducting regression analyses to identify factors influencing healthcare outcomes.”

7. How do you ensure the quality and integrity of your data?

This question evaluates your attention to detail and commitment to data quality.

How to Answer

Discuss the processes you implement to maintain data quality, including validation checks and data cleaning techniques.

Example

“I implement a series of validation checks during data entry and regularly audit datasets for inconsistencies. Additionally, I collaborate with data providers to ensure that the data collection process adheres to established protocols, which helps maintain the integrity of the data.”

Communication and Presentation Questions

8. Describe a time when you had to present complex data findings to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure they understood?

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to convey technical information effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to simplifying complex information and engaging your audience.

Example

“I once presented findings from a complex statistical analysis to a group of healthcare providers. I used visual aids like charts and graphs to illustrate key points and avoided jargon. I also encouraged questions throughout the presentation to ensure clarity and engagement.”

9. How do you stay updated with the latest research and methodologies in health research?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to stay informed, such as journals, conferences, or online courses.

Example

“I regularly read journals like the American Journal of Public Health and attend relevant conferences to stay updated on the latest research and methodologies. I also participate in online forums and webinars to engage with other professionals in the field.”