Senior Mixed-Methods Researcher, Employment and Economic Opportunity

American Institutes for Research•Chicago, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

Join AIR's Employment and Economic Opportunity Program as a Senior Mixed-Methods Researcher to lead the design and implementation of applied research and evaluation studies that integrate qualitative and quantitative methods to address complex policy and practice questions. This role plays a central part in shaping study designs, leading data collection and analysis, and translating findings into clear, actionable insights for clients and stakeholders. The position supports AIR’s work across education, workforce, and public systems, including research related to labor market change, the future of work, and the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The researcher will contribute to rigorous, applied research that can inform policy, while collaborating closely with technical assistance and program teams. This position will contribute to AIR’s growing portfolio of work focused on AI, labor market change, and education-to-workforce alignment, including efforts that support educators, system leaders, and policymakers in planning for workforce transitions. Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations with occasional travel required for meetings, training sessions, and conferences. This does not include U.S. territories. The position requires availability to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. 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 (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, or related field) with 3+ years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience designing and leading mixed methods research or evaluation studies in applied settings.
Strong understanding of implementation science and applied research frameworks.
Experience working in contract research, evaluation, or consulting environments.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including interviews, observations, focus groups, and surveys.
Experience conducting or overseeing data analysis using qualitative and/or quantitative software (e.g., NVivo, STATA, R, Excel, or similar tools).
Experience managing research project teams and coordinating staff across multiple tasks or workstreams.
Experience building and maintaining productive client and partner relationships.
Experience contributing to or leading research proposals and grant applications.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings into coherent conclusions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise research summaries for non‑technical audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and quality.
Experience using AI tools to synthesize information, draft content, analyze data, or improve efficiency in day-to-day work.
Ability to apply sound judgment when interpreting AI-generated outputs.
Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and virtual team environments.
Strong professional judgment and ability to navigate complex client and stakeholder contexts.
Willingness to conduct proactive business development by building and sustaining relationships, sharing market and client insights, identifying emerging needs and potential opportunities, and actively supporting early‑stage shaping and positioning efforts that result in additional work.
Ability to utilize campaigns and conferences to make strategic connections, share and document contacts and insights, and follow up effectively to sustain relationships and support future mission‑aligned opportunities.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.
Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position.
Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.
American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.
AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

Responsibilities

Serve in senior researcher roles such as principal investigator, project director, or task lead on applied research and evaluation projects.
Lead mixed methods study design, ensuring alignment between research questions, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and analytic plans.
Manage day-to-day project operations, including timelines, staffing, budgets, and quality assurance.
Lead and oversee qualitative and quantitative data collection efforts, including interviews, focus groups, observations, surveys, and document reviews.
Oversee the development of data collection instruments such as interview protocols, focus group guides, surveys, and observation tools.
Conduct or supervise qualitative and quantitative data analysis using appropriate analytic approaches and software.
Apply subject matter expertise to design research that is responsive to client needs and grounded in real world policy and practice contexts.
Translate complex findings into clear, usable products such as reports, briefs, dashboards, and visualizations for diverse audiences.
Communicate study progress, findings, and implications effectively to clients, partners, and internal teams.
Contribute to proactive business development by building and sustaining relationships, sharing market and client insights, identifying emerging needs and potential opportunities, and actively supporting early‑stage shaping and positioning efforts that advance mission‑aligned growth.
Represent AIR at conferences and other events, actively participating in social media and other promotional campaigns focused on AI, labor market change, and education-to-workforce alignment.
Contribute to proposal development efforts, including study design, methods sections, and cost-efficient approaches.
Foster strong, collaborative relationships with clients, partners, and project teams.