American Institutes for Research · 12 hours ago
Principal Researcher, Health Quality Measure Development
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$148K/yr - $197K/yr
7+ years expThe American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization focused on behavioral and social science research. They are seeking a Principal Researcher to lead quality measure development and implementation for large-scale federal programs, particularly for CMS and CMMI, emphasizing strategic insights and project leadership.
EducationHealth CareNon Profit
No H1B
Responsibilities
Lead construction, interpretation, and computation of quality measures across Medicare and Medicaid model components
Provide expert guidance on quality measure use across key CMS model functions (e.g., performance-based payment, monitoring)
Advise CMS on implications of measure updates for feasibility, administrative burden, interoperability, and alignment with national frameworks
Serve as senior advisor for quality measurement strategy for CMS/CMMI models, including: annual review and refinement of quality measure sets; assessment of specification changes, certifications, and updates from measure stewards; quantitative and qualitative evaluation of measure performance
Oversee measure computation using claims, practice based, state based, and beneficiary level data
Ensure analytic rigor and accuracy in all measure calculations and reporting
Interpret measure performance results and generate actionable insights for federal clients
Lead or contribute to complex research and analytic tasks, ensuring high quality, clarity, and CMS‑ready deliverables
Support development of quality‑related components of model implementation materials, monitoring plans, analytic plans, and reporting requirements
Collaborate with monitoring, analytics, data, and policy teams to ensure quality measure work aligns with broader model operations
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
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, 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
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission.
Company
American Institutes for Research
An independent, not-for-profit corporation which performs basic and applied research
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.86MKey Investors
U.S. Department of EducationJim Joseph Foundation
2017-11-01Grant· $7.8M
2014-09-08Grant· $0.8M
2010-10-10Grant· $1.26M
Leadership Team
David Myers
President & Chief Executive Officer
Richard Jacik
Chief Technology Officer
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