Principal Researcher, Healthcare Transformation at americaninstitutesforresearch in US-Remote | US-VA-Arlington | US-NC-Chapel Hill | US-IL-Chicago | US-CA-Sacramento | US-TX-Austin

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

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Required

• Strategic thinking
• Communication
• Leadership
• Mentoring
• Project management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Negotiation
• Relationship-building
• Commitment to equity
• STATA
• R
• NVivo

Benefits

• 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.
• $140,000 - $180,000 USD