Qualitative Researcher, Health Innovations

American Institutes for Research • Chicago, IL

9d • Remote

About The Position

Join AIR as a Qualitative Researcher with our Health Innovations 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 AIR’s 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

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Health Services Research, Evaluation, Social Science, or a related discipline), or a Master’s degree with at least four (4) years of qualitative research experience
• Experience conducting applied qualitative research or evaluation in health, human services, or policy contexts
• Experience designing and implementing qualitative data collection efforts, including development of interview and focus group protocols
• Experience coordinating qualitative data collection activities, including recruitment, scheduling, data management, and quality assurance
• Experience synthesizing qualitative findings and contributing to reports, briefs, or presentations for technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience interpreting analytic results and contributing to reports, briefs, or presentations that inform program, policy, or operational decisions
• Experience working on research or evaluation projects for federal, state, or local agencies or other public or nonprofit entities
• Strong qualitative analysis skills, including experience coding, analyzing, and synthesizing qualitative data using qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose)
• Strong technical writing skills, with experience drafting reports, briefs, presentations, and methodological documentation
• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to convey complex information , a nd collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Proven ability to coach junior staff and foster inclusive team dynamics.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data analysis and report writing
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.
• Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with CMS, Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal health programs preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to the design and execution of rigorous research and evaluation projects
• Apply appropriate qualitative methods to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data.
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for client reports, technical memos, and presentations.
• Support proposal development through writing technical sections, developing budgets, and contributing to proposal strategy.
• Manage small to mid-sized tasks or project components, including planning timelines, tracking deliverables, and liaising with clients while maintaining positive and collaborative relationships.
• Mentor and guide junior staff through regular feedback, training, and modeling of research best practices.
• Engage with stakeholders and partners through meetings, briefings, and dissemination activities
• Contribute to a collaborative environment that values and respects a wide range of perspectives, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees