American Institutes for Research (AIR)

Principal Researcher, Healthcare Transformation

Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in public health, public policy, or related field with 7+ years experience, or Master's degree with 11+ years experience.
  • Extensive experience in leading research projects in contract research, evaluation, or academia.
  • Deep understanding of implementation science and systems change.
  • Proven track record in securing funding and managing large, multi-stakeholder projects.
  • Experience with qualitative and quantitative methodologies and software (e.g., STATA, R, NVivo, Excel).
  • Established professional network in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and execution of complex, multi-method research studies.
  • Serve as principal investigator or senior advisor on key projects, ensuring methodological rigor.
  • Shape AIR's research strategy by identifying trends and funding opportunities.
  • Guide teams in developing study designs and dissemination strategies.
  • Cultivate strategic relationships with clients and partners across sectors.
  • Provide thought leadership through publications and presentations.
  • Mentor senior researchers and foster a culture of excellence.
  • Lead proposal development efforts, including writing and client engagement.
  • Oversee data collection and analysis in alignment with research goals.
  • Translate complex findings into actionable insights for various stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Flexible remote or in-office work options within the U.S.
  • Supportive work culture that fosters continuous learning and professional development.
  • Opportunities for strategic leadership and thought influence in the healthcare field.
Full Job Description
Join AIR as a Principal Researcher with our Healthcare Transformation team. Our team works collaboratively to unravel the intertwined challenges of health care quality, costs, and access. Our team of experts - nurses, physicians, psychologists, economists, sociologists, data scientists, and public health experts - advance evidence and save lives by leading rigorous research and evaluation; results-driven technical assistance and training; and leading-edge data science and technology tools.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

Position is contingent upon contract award.
Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

  • Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of complex, multi-method research studies across AIR's client services portfolio.
  • Serve as principal investigator or senior advisor on high-profile projects, ensuring methodological rigor, relevance, and impact.
  • Shape AIR's research strategy by identifying emerging trends, funding opportunities, and areas for innovation.
  • Guide multidisciplinary teams in developing study designs, analytic plans, and dissemination strategies.
  • Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with clients, funders, and partners across sectors.
  • Provide thought leadership through publications, presentations, and participation in national forums.
  • Mentor and develop senior researchers and project staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
  • Lead proposal development efforts, including strategy, writing, and client engagement.
  • Oversee data collection and analysis activities, ensuring alignment with research goals and ethical standards.
  • Translate complex findings into actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience
  • Ph.D. in public health, public policy, or a related field, with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research, or Master's degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience.
  • Extensive experience leading research projects in contract research, evaluation, or academic settings.
  • Deep understanding of implementation science and systems-level change.
  • Proven track record of securing funding and managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects.
  • Experience with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and associated software (e.g., STATA, R, NVivo, Excel).
  • Established reputation and professional network in relevant fields.

Skills

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to align research with policy and practice needs.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present complex findings to varied audiences.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
  • Advanced project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and relationship-building.
  • Commitment to equity, rigor, and innovation in research.


Disclosures: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

AIR's Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

Anticipated Annual Salary Range

$140,000-$180,000 USD

About American Institutes for Research (AIR)

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan behavioral and social science research, evaluation, assessment, and technical assistance organization based in Washington, D.C. AIR was established in 1946 as a behavioral and social science research organization. AIR's mission is to conduct and apply the best behavioral and social science research and evaluation towards improving people's lives, with a special emphasis on the disadvantaged. AIR has more than 2,000 employees and offices across the United States and abroad.
Learn more about American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1946

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