Research Associate, Learning Supports

American Institutes for Research • Sacramento, CA

4h • $30 - $35

About The Position

The Research Associate will support AIR’s growing portfolio of education research, including projects examining how AI technologies influence educational opportunities, teaching practices, and student outcomes. The role contributes to multiple projects, with an emphasis on collecting and processing quantitative and qualitative data, conducting basic analyses, interpreting findings, and helping disseminate results. The position is suited to a collaborative, intellectually curious professional interested in developing research, evaluation, and creative research-communication skills.

The position may be performed remotely within the United States, excluding U.S. territories, or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations. The anticipated hourly rate is $30–$35. Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States; employment-based visa sponsorship is unavailable. Depending on project work, candidates may need to meet residency requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of experience, or a Master’s degree in the social sciences or a related field.
• Experience collecting and processing quantitative or qualitative data, preferably in educational contexts.
• Experience conducting quantitative or qualitative analysis, including use of data analysis software such as Stata, R, NVivo, or Dedoose.
• Interest in the role of AI in education.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with project stakeholders and external partners.
• Currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with classroom teaching or working with education stakeholders, such as school districts, educators, or program and professional development providers.
• Passion for bringing evidence to bear on education policy, practice, and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assist with primary-source data collection through interviews, focus groups, surveys, educational technology usage data, school administrative records, and publicly available data.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for schools and teachers, communicating and coordinating study data-collection activities.
• Review and process qualitative and quantitative data, following procedures to prepare it for analysis.
• Conduct basic descriptive analyses of quantitative or qualitative research data and contribute to reporting and interpretation of findings.
• Prepare documents, report sections, briefs, charts, and graphs describing and interpreting analysis findings.
• Support project management, including developing timelines, coordinating meetings, and tracking project progress.
• Support recruitment of research participants by developing promotional materials and conducting outreach to school districts.
• Support proposal writing and business development activities.

What This Job Offers

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