Apply on Employer Site

American Institutes for Research · 2 days ago

Principal Researcher, Health Innovations

United States

Contract

Remote

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$148K/yr - $197K/yr

11+ years exp

American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research. The Principal Researcher provides strategic direction across complex research initiatives and serves as a trusted advisor to clients and collaborators, guiding multidisciplinary teams and shaping AIR’s research agenda.

EducationNon Profit

Culture & Values

No H1B

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

Qualification

Applied researchImplementation scienceQualitative methodologiesQuantitative methodologiesProject managementSTATARNVivoExcelStakeholder engagementEquity commitmentStrategic thinkingCommunication skillsLeadershipMentoring

Required

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

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

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis