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Principal Researcher, Healthcare Transformation

American Institutes for ResearchChicago, North Carolina

$140,000 - $180,000 / year

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Overview

Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Senior-level
Remote
Hybrid remote
Compensation
$140,000-$180,000/year
Benefits
Career Development

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.

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

  • 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.

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 any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locs, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. 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.org or 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 to recruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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 - $180,000USD

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FAQs About Principal Researcher, Healthcare Transformation Jobs at American Institutes for Research

What is the work location for this position at American Institutes for Research?
This job at American Institutes for Research is located in Chicago, North Carolina, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at American Institutes for Research?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $140,000 and $180,000 per year.
What employment applies to this position at American Institutes for Research?
American Institutes for Research lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at American Institutes for Research?
American Institutes for Research is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.
What benefits are offered by American Institutes for Research for this role?
American Institutes for Research offers Career Development for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at American Institutes for Research?
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