Principal Researcher, Healthcare Innovations
American Institutes for ResearchUS-Remote | US-VA-Arlington | US-NC-Chapel Hill | US-IL-Chicago | US-CA-Sacramento | US-TX-AustinPosted 14 April 2026
Tech Stack
Job Description
Join AIR as a Principal Researcher with our Healthcare 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 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.
Responsibilities:
The responsibilities for the position include:
Leads project and task execution and business development, specifically for work conducted for CMS and the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI).
Directs execution of large complex projects or portfolio of smaller projects; oversees the planning, design, and implementation of project procedures.
Leads proposal efforts including review of proposals for sound practices and techniques, briefings, and client relation/development activities.
Serves as industry expert for alternative payment models, value-based reimbursement, or Medicare payment policies.
Effectively coaches and manages others to promote their development; sets developmental goals and measurements for staff.
Fosters an environment that values a wide range of perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and individual strengths.
Qualifications:
Education, Knowledge, and Experience
Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research or related work or Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience.
Minimum of 5 years project management experience.
Direct experience on prior or current CMMI alternative payment model contracts.
Proven track record of winning new business with CMS, AHRQ, or other HHS agencies.
Extensive knowledge of Medicare payment policy, Medicare Advantage, and/or Medicaid.
Knowledge of Medicare claims, provider claims, survey data, and publicly available datasets.
Skills
Must possess strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills at a senior level.
Extensive success in writing, conceptualizing, analyzing, and consulting on large-scale federally funded projects.
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing
Disclosures: 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.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.o ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
Apply Now
Direct link to company career page
AI Resume Fit Check
See exactly which skills you match and which are missing before you apply. Free, instant, no spam.
Check my resume fitFree · No credit card
More jobs at American Institutes for Research
See all →Recruiter
US-Remote | US-VA-Arlington | US-NC-Chapel Hill | US-IL-Chicago | US-CA-Sacramento | US-TX-Austin · 14 April 2026
Senior Researcher, Suicide Prevention and Safety Outcomes
US-Remote | US-VA-Arlington | US-NC-Chapel Hill | US-IL-Chicago | US-CA-Sacramento | US-TX-Austin · 14 April 2026
Principal Data Scientist, Healthcare Innovations
US-Remote | US-VA-Arlington | US-NC-Chapel Hill | US-IL-Chicago | US-CA-Sacramento | US-TX-Austin · 14 April 2026
Senior Growth Strategy Specialist
US-Remote · 10 April 2026