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Principal Researcher, Health Innovations

US-Remote | US-VA-Arlington | US-NC-Chapel Hill | US-IL-Chicago | US-CA-Sacramento | US-TX-Austin

Join AIR as a Principal Researcher and use your experience and knowledge to help us deliver on our mission: to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world for all. The Principal Researcher provides strategic direction across complex research initiatives, cultivates partnerships, and contributes thought leadership to AIR’s mission of generating and using rigorous evidence to create a better, more equitable world. The Principal Researcher serves as a trusted advisor to clients and collaborators, guides multidisciplinary teams, and shapes the future of AIR’s research agenda through innovation, mentorship, and enterprise-level contributions. 

The Principal Researcher 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 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:

  • Masters in a relevant field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy) with a minimum of 11 years of postdoctoral experience in applied research.
  • 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.

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.

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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

$147,645 - $196,860 USD

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