Mixed Methods Disability Researcher

American Institutes for Research•Chicago, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

AIR is seeking a Mixed Methods Disability Researcher for disability-focused projects within the Employment and Economic Opportunity program. Under the direction of a principal investigator, the Researcher leads project tasks using both quantitative and qualitative methods, working with teams that use findings to develop products and toolkits designed for the general public and to inform training and technical assistance. Disability work within EEOP focuses on building and improving the use of evidence that can help adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities achieve full integration into all aspects of life, including and not limited to employment, independent living, and social engagement. The Researcher will contribute to disability-oriented business development efforts, research and evaluation projects, and work to produce and disseminate knowledge across a variety of topics—including vocational rehabilitation, and other career development efforts for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities. We seek someone aspiring to become a leader within a fast-paced yet collegial environment, working as part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs. Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our 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.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Higher Education, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Public Policy or other related field, or Master’s degree with 4-7 years of relevant work experience.
Demonstrated expertise in disability research, including familiarity with disability policy, vocational rehabilitation systems, independent living supports, and evidence-based practices that promote employment and community participation for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities.
Experience with mixed‑methods data collection using structured interviews, observations, surveys, and other qualitative and quantitative techniques.
Experience leading mixed‑methods data analysis , including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis as well as management and analysis of interview and focus group data.
Demonstrated familiarity with data organization , including database structure, record layouts, and file structure.
Experience with co-authoring systematic reviews, scoping reviews or other rigorous evidence syntheses using written protocols.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of research principles and research design.
Knowledge of various analytic and data management software (e.g., SPSS, Excel, STATA, R, NVivo, Airtable).
Familiarity with responsible use of artificial intelligence in research activities.
Experience with developing and implementing interventions and their outcome evaluations.
Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings.
Demonstrated ability to engage in knowledge translation, including effectively engaging stakeholders and communicating research findings and policy implications to policymakers, practitioners, and the general public, including people with disabilities.
Passion for bringing rigorous evidence to bear on policy and programmatic decision-making that improves lives.

Nice To Haves

The position is ideal for someone who enjoys working as part of a team, likes working in an entrepreneurial atmosphere within a growing program area, and is committed to advancing economic opportunity for all, including people with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Demonstrating and applying content knowledge and methodological expertise to study design decisions, project activities, and reporting.
Contributing to or supervising collection and management of data for projects.
Leading or contributing to designs for rigorous experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive studies.
Leading or contributing to quantitative analysis and write-up of research technical reports, briefs and other project deliverables.
Carrying out task management activities, including supervising junior staff, communicating with senior managers, and communicating with clients as appropriate.
Engaging in business development activities, including cultivating relationships with existing and potential new clients, capture planning, managing or writing proposals.
Supporting collaboration among team members, both internal and external to the organization.
Contributing to dissemination activities, including presentations, journal manuscripts, issue briefs, data dashboards, infographics and other products for a variety of audiences.
Mentoring staff, share approaches to solving concrete study design and analytic problems, and provide feedback on the work of others.