Quantitative Researcher, Employment & Economic Opportunity Program

American Institutes for Research • Chicago, IL

22h • Remote

About The Position

AIR’s Employment & Economic Opportunity Program is seeking a Quantitative Researcher to work on research projects to improve education, training, and workforce opportunities for youth and adults. This position will support a portfolio of federally, state, and philanthropically funded research and evaluation projects focused on education, workforce development, and economic opportunity, including large‑scale studies, evaluations, and analytic initiatives serving federal agencies, states, and national partners. The Researcher will play a key role in the design, execution, data analysis, and dissemination of rigorous applied research. The role is well‑suited for a collaborative researcher who combines strong analytic skills with the ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable products for diverse audiences. 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 related subject area (Statistics, Data Science, Survey Methodology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, Human Development, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or related field), or a master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant applied research experience.
• Experience working on research or evaluation projects for federal, state, or local agencies or other public or nonprofit entities.
• Demonstrated experience with research design, survey sampling, data analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with data collection activities from the field using a variety of methodologies and data collection techniques such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and/or survey research.
• Familiarity with federal contracting and compliance standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in at least one statistical analysis tool (e.g., R, Stata, Python).
• Knowledge about survey sampling, small area estimation, and statistical modeling.
• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to convey complex information, and 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 with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, SharePoint).
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data analysis and report writing.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to the design and execution of rigorous research and evaluation projects.
• Apply appropriate 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, inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

Benefits

• AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level