Join AIR as a Senior Systems Programmer and use your experience and expertise to help us deliver on our mission: to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world for all. This position will help drive innovation in data science, architect scalable programming solutions, and influence strategic decisions across AIR’s health portfolio. 

The Senior Systems Programmer will report to AIR's Healthcare Innovations Team, which supports high-quality implementation and produces rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of new approaches to care and payment—translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers, payers, providers, and patients.

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

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead and support the design, development, and implementation of advanced programming solutions for large-scale health research and evaluation projects. 
• Oversee data management workflows, including data extraction, transformation, validation, and integration from multiple sources (e.g., claims, EHR, survey data). 
• Develop and optimize reusable code libraries, macros, and templates to improve efficiency and consistency across projects. 
• Conduct complex statistical analyses and generate high-quality outputs including tables, listings, and visualizations for technical reports and publications. 
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to programming teams, including code reviews, training, and guidance on best practices. 
• Collaborate with statisticians, researchers, and data scientists to translate analytical requirements into executable code. 
• Ensure compliance with data security protocols and regulatory requirements in secure computing environments. 
• Contribute to proposal development by designing analytic approaches, estimating level of effort, and drafting technical sections. 
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance data quality, reproducibility, and workflow automation. 
• Represent AIR in client meetings and technical discussions, communicating complex programming concepts clearly and effectively. 

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, Economics, Epidemiology, or a related quantitative field; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in programming, including experience with large-scale administrative or healthcare datasets. 
• Experience working on CMS projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of health services researchers conducting program evaluations and program implementation.
• Experience working within various CMS data environments and platforms, including Model Space, IDR, CDR, etc. 
• Demonstrated leadership in managing programming teams and delivering high-impact analytic products. 
• Experience working in secure or virtual research environments and familiarity with data governance best practices. 

Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in R, Python, SQL and related programming languages. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on accuracy and efficiency. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences. 
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, virtual team environment. 

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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AIR is currently seeking a Healthcare Technical Project Manager. The Technical Project Manager will play a key role in supporting the successful execution of complex, multi-disciplinary projects by managing timelines, resources, deliverables, and communication across teams. This role ensures that project goals are met efficiently and effectively, while maintaining alignment with AIR’s standards and client expectations. 

The Technical Project Manager will report to AIR's Healthcare Innovations Team, which supports high-quality implementation and produces rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of new approaches to care and payment—translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers, payers, providers, and patients.

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

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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AIR is currently seeking a Senior Economist to join our Healthcare Innovations Program. The Health Economist conducts policy-related research and evaluation studies focused on domestic health care programs, including topics such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other public health insurance programs; innovative delivery and payment models; rural hospitals; aging and long-term care; health plan performance and quality measurement; telehealth; and health information technology.

The Senior Economist will report to AIR's Healthcare Innovations Team, which supports high-quality implementation and produces rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of new approaches to care and payment—translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers, payers, providers, and patients.

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

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead the design and implementation of conceptual frameworks for complex research projects. 
• Direct the management and analysis of large-scale healthcare datasets using advanced econometric techniques. 
• Apply rigorous quantitative methods to evaluate healthcare programs, policies, and interventions. 
• Oversee the documentation of analytic procedures and ensure reproducibility and transparency. 
• Author technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and policy briefs; present findings to clients, stakeholders, and academic audiences. 
• Lead proposal development, including conceptual design, methodology, and budgeting. 
• Mentor and supervise junior economists and research analysts, fostering professional growth and technical excellence. 
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams and ensure high-quality deliverables aligned with client expectations. 
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, providing strategic and analytical expertise. 
• Contribute to AIR’s strategic initiatives and thought leadership in economics and public policy. 

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy, or a related social science field, with demonstrated expertise in econometrics or applied statistics. 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience conducting quantitative research in policy-relevant domains. 
• Extensive experience with STATA and proficiency in other statistical tools (e.g., R, Python) is a plus. 
• Proven track record of designing and executing experimental and quasi-experimental studies. 
• Prior research experience in areas such as labor economics, education, health, or international development using advanced methods (e.g., fixed effects, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables). 
• Experience managing complex projects and working with government, nonprofit, or philanthropic clients. 

Skills

• Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills. 
• Expertise with large healthcare datasets, including Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage enrollment and claims data, as well as prescription drug encounter and pricing data sources.
• Strong business development acumen and proposal writing experience. 
• Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills. 
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings for non-technical audiences. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
• Ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Effective collaborator in virtual and cross-functional team settings. 

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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Join AIR as a Managing Director of Health Data Science & Analytics with our Healthcare Innovations 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.

The Managing Director will lead complex implementation, monitoring, and technical assistance (TA) initiatives for federal health agencies. This position will manage multi‑year projects involving operational oversight, implementation planning, monitoring frameworks, stakeholder engagement, data collection, TA delivery, and performance reporting.

This role is ideally suited for candidates who have successfully led major federal health projects and can serve as strong director on implementation and monitoring contracts.

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.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the principal architect for designing data systems to support AIR’s health research projects, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and reproducibility.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the development of innovative data solutions, using tools such as Databricks; R (the R statistical programming language); Python; Stata; SAS (Statistical Analysis System); and Git within Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) environments, including the Integrated Data Repository (IDR), Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse (CCW), and Virtual Research Data Center (VRDC).
• Provide strategic oversight of data management and analytics pipelines, including governance, automation, and quality assurance.
• Design and implement advanced statistical programming methodologies for complex longitudinal, hierarchical, and multi-source datasets.
• Act as a senior advisor to project directors, statisticians, and clients on data strategy, analytic design, and technical feasibility.
• Spearhead the development of enterprise-wide programming standards, reusable assets, and documentation practices.
• Mentor and coach senior programmers and analysts, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Lead technical contributions to proposals, including conceptualizing analytic frameworks, developing budgets, and writing compelling technical narratives.
• Represent AIR in high-level client engagements, conferences, and professional forums, showcasing AIR’s capabilities and thought leadership.
• Monitor emerging technologies and trends in data science and health analytics, recommending strategic investments and innovations.

Strategic Direction & Federal Business Growth

• Working with AIR’s program area leadership and functional leadership to create business development strategy for established areas and specific new areas of growth identify new opportunities, including:
• Coordinating pursuit plans and pipelines for federal opportunities.
• Supporting bid/no‑bid decisions and ensuring alignment with AIR capabilities and priorities.
• Leading or contributing to proposal pursuits: conceptualizing bid strategies, developing research and monitoring approaches, drafting proposal content, and conducting technical reviews.
• Cultivating and maintaining relationships with potential partners, funders, and federal clients.
• Monitoring ongoing projects to understand client expectations, anticipate needs, and identify opportunities and challenges across the portfolio.
• Assessing staff capacity and helping align resources to support both project delivery and new business pursuits.

Team Leadership, Staff Development & Collaboration

• Foster cross‑functional collaboration across analytics, communications, data management, TA, and operations teams to ensure integrated, high‑quality project delivery.
• Provide coaching and support to rising project leaders in effective project management, quality assurance, client communication, and staff supervision.
• Contribute to a collaborative environment that values and respects a wide range of perspectives, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Thought Leadership & External Engagement

• Represent AIR in federal stakeholder meetings, technical discussions, and conferences.
• Collaborate with AIR’s communications teams to translate implementation and monitoring insights into publications, briefs, and presentations.
• Contribute to AIR’s visibility and reputation in federal health program implementation, monitoring, and TA.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Economics, or a related quantitative discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 11 years of progressive experience in programming health data, with demonstrated impact in health research or evaluation. 
• Demonstrated experience using Medicare and Medicaid enrollment and claims/encounter data within CMS environments (e.g., IDR, CCW, VRDC).
• Demonstrated experience designing complex data systems drawing from multiple data sources.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale, multi-disciplinary data projects and teams. 
• Deep experience with secure computing environments, data privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA), and governance frameworks. 
• Experience working with or for CMS or similar federal health agencies.
• Demonstrated success leading federal proposal development and contributing to winning bids.

Skills

• Working knowledge of CMS program structures, policy priorities, and expectations related to implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Strong communication skills for federal audiences and the ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder relationships.
• Experience overseeing large budgets, managing risks, developing staffing plans, and implementing operational systems consistent with federal contracting standards.
• Proven ability to lead large‑scale research or implementation projects, write reports, and present findings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead mission‑driven teams, including staff, subcontractors, and consultants.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to structure complex initiatives and maintain a long‑term view of project and portfolio needs.
• Collaborative leadership style and commitment to mentorship and staff development.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams.

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

Join AIR as a Quantitative Researcher with our Healthcare Innovations 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 AIR’s U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories. 

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

AIR is currently seeking a Health Economist to conduct policy-related research and evaluation studies focused on domestic health care programs, including topics such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other public health insurance programs; innovative delivery and payment models; rural hospitals; aging and long-term care; health plan performance and quality measurement; telehealth; and health information technology.

The Economist will report to AIR's Healthcare Innovations Team, which supports high-quality implementation and produces rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of new approaches to care and payment—translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers, payers, providers, and patients.

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

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

#LI-AS1 #LI-REMOTE

Join AIR as a Principal Researcher with our Healthcare Innovations 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.

The Principal Researcher is a senior technical expert in quality measure development and implementation for largescale federal programs, particularly Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI). This role will contribute to quality strategy, measure refinement, annual measure updates, and analytic work that supports performance based payment and monitoring.

This role emphasizes quality measures expertise, methodological rigor, and the ability to lead large projects or tasks, contribute to thought leadership, project execution, and business development in AIR’s large and growing implementation and monitoring portfolio. 

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.   

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research or related work or Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience. 
• Minimum of 5 years project leadership experience or large task leadership experience on complex implementation, analytics, research, or evaluation projects. 
• Direct experience with CMS/CMMI quality measurement, including alternative payment models or model evaluation.
• Deep familiarity with quality measure specifications, measure stewardship, certification processes, and use of measure repositories/tools.
• Experience with Medicare and Medicaid quality measures, including claims‑based, practice‑based, patient‑reported, and state‑based measures.
• Proven track record of winning or contributing to winning new business with CMS or other HHS agencies. 

Skills

• Advanced technical expertise in quality measurement (development, refinement, specification review, testing, validation). 
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills appropriate for a senior level researcher. 
• Extensive experience in conceptualizing, analyzing, and contributing to large‑scale federally funded projects. 
• Excellent written communication skills with a commitment to accuracy, clarity, and evidence based messaging. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners. 
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to see the broader context of complex research and implementation projects. 

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

#LI-AS1 #LI-REMOTE

Join AIR as a Principal Researcher with our Healthcare Innovations 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 Principal Researcher will contribute to large-scale implementation and monitoring initiatives for federal health agencies. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in monitoring frameworks, analytic design, alternative payment models, and federal program operations—particularly Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI). 

This role emphasizes monitoring expertise, methodological rigor, and the ability to lead large projects or tasks, contribute to thought leadership, project execution, and business development in AIR’s large and growing implementation and monitoring portfolio. 

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

Thought Leadership & Technical Expertise 

• Serve as a subject matter and methodological expert in the implementation and monitoring of federal health programs, especially alternative payment models, and value-based care initiatives. 
• Provide leadership in designing monitoring frameworks, performance metrics, data collection plans, and analytic strategies for implementation and monitoring contracts. 
• Contribute to AIR’s technical vision for CMS and CMMI work, helping shape approaches that meet federal expectations for rigor, transparency, and accuracy. 

Project Execution & Oversight 

• Direct large, complex implementation and monitoring or evaluation projects—or a portfolio of smaller projects—ensuring alignment with federal requirements and high quality delivery, on time and on budget. 
• Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of project procedures, including monitoring plans, analytic plans, research protocols, monitoring reports, risk summaries, and stakeholder engagement strategies. 
• Serve as a senior contributor to model testing, monitoring, and evaluation tasks, including real-time monitoring, operational assessments, and rapid cycle learning. 
• Collaborate with data and analytic teams to connect monitoring indicators to underlying data sources (claims, administrative, practice‑based, state‑based).
• Guide development of data protocols, dashboard requirements, and reporting structures for monitoring deliverables.

CMS Facing Expertise & Business Development 

• Serve as a thought partner to AIR leadership on work conducted for CMS/CMMI, interpreting federal priorities, model goals, and policy developments. 
• Lead or significantly contribute to proposal development involving monitoring, implementation, and operational oversight including designing methodological approaches, reviewing narratives for soundness, and leading staffing and budgeting decisions. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with federal clients and partners, helping position AIR for future CMS and HHS opportunities. 

Team Leadership, Mentorship & Collaboration 

• Coach, mentor, and support junior and midcareer staff, setting developmental goals and modeling high quality technical and analytic work. 
• Collaborate with colleagues across research, analytics, communications, TA, and operations teams to ensure integrated, high quality products. 
• Contribute to a collaborative environment that values and respects a wide range of perspectives, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research or related work or Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience. 
• Minimum of 5 years project leadership experience or large task leadership experience on complex implementation, analytics, research, or evaluation projects. 
• Direct experience working on CMS implementation, monitoring, evaluation, or operational support. 
• Proven track record of winning or contributing to winning new business with CMS or other HHS agencies. 
• Extensive knowledge of Medicare payment policy, Medicaid and/or Medicare Advantage. 
• Experience working with Medicare or Medicaid claims, and other publicly available datasets.

Skills

• Demonstrated monitoring expertise, including developing monitoring plans, indicators, protocols, and analysis to support federal program oversight. 
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills appropriate for a senior‑level researcher. 
• Extensive experience in conceptualizing, analyzing, and contributing to large‑scale federally funded projects. 
• Excellent written communication skills with a commitment to accuracy, clarity, and evidence‑based messaging. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners. 
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to see the broader context of complex research and implementation projects.

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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Join AIR as a Senior Researcher with our Healthcare Innovations 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.

The Senior Researcher leads and executes applied research projects end to end—designing rigorous studies, managing teams and budgets, overseeing data collection and analysis, developing proposals, and communicating actionable findings while serving as a trusted partner to clients and stakeholders.

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

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day project operations in roles such as principal investigator, project director, or task lead, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Lead collaborative project teams by developing timelines and coordinating staff assignments.
• Identify research problems and design rigorous applied studies, including aligned research questions, methodologies, and analytic plans.
• Apply subject-matter expertise to design and implement relevant, responsive, and impactful research projects.
• Lead and contribute to research proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients.
• Devise and implement innovative solutions to practical challenges in applied research.
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts, including the design of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection tools (e.g., interview protocols, focus group guides, surveys).
• Supervise field-based data collection activities, including interviews, observations, focus groups, and document reviews.
• Conduct or oversee data analysis using appropriate tools and techniques for various data types.
• Communicate study progress and findings clearly and effectively through reports, briefs, visualizations, and other materials.
• Represent the organization professionally in client interactions and manage client and stakeholder relationships with awareness of the broader policy and practice landscape.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients, partners, and stakeholders, and foster positive, collaborative working relationships.
• Contribute thoughtfully and creatively to project teams.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• PhD in a related field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, or a related discipline) with 3+ years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex ideas into actionable work plans and timelines.
• Experience with qualitative data collection methodologies (e.g., structured interviews, observations, survey research) and analytic software (e.g., NVivo), and/or quantitative analysis using tools such as Stata, R, Python, or Access.
• Experience managing project and/or task teams on research and evaluation projects.
• Experience building and maintaining strong client and partner relationships.
• Experience supporting business development efforts, including grant and proposal writing.
• Experience analyzing claims and other large or complex data sets.
• Experience working in contract research and/or evaluation organizations.

 Skills

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including strong communication skills with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings.
• Strong negotiator and communicator, with excellent client management skills.
• Strong presentation, professional development delivery, and facilitation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing. 
• Can collaborate effectively in a virtual work environment. 

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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Join AIR as a Researcher focused on Medicaid policy and programs with our Healthcare Innovations team. Our team works collaboratively to address complex challenges related to Medicaid coverage, care delivery, cost containment, and health equity, supporting federal and state partners in improving outcomes for low‑income and medically vulnerable populations. 

Our multidisciplinary team—including economists, data scientists, public health experts, clinicians, and policy researchers—advances evidence through rigorous research and evaluation, results‑driven technical assistance, and applied analytics. This role will contribute directly to studies that inform Medicaid policy design, program evaluation, and system transformation. 

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

About AIR: 

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

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.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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