Principal Researcher, Healthcare Transformation

Join AIR as a Principal Researcher with our Healthcare Transformation team. Our team works collaboratively to unravel the intertwined challenges of healthcare 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.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of complex, multi-method research studies across AIR’s client services portfolio.
• Serve as principal investigator or senior advisor on high-profile projects, ensuring methodological rigor, relevance, and impact.
• Shape AIR’s research strategy by identifying emerging trends, funding opportunities, and areas for innovation.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams in developing study designs, analytic plans, and dissemination strategies.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with clients, funders, and partners across sectors.
• Provide thought leadership through publications, presentations, and participation in national forums.
• Mentor and develop senior researchers and project staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Lead proposal development efforts, including strategy, writing, and client engagement.
• Oversee data collection and analysis activities, ensuring alignment with research goals and ethical standards.
• Translate complex findings into actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• A Ph.D. in public health, public policy, or a related field, with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research, or a Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience.
• Extensive experience leading research projects in contract research, evaluation, or academic settings.
• Deep understanding of implementation science and systems-level change.
• Proven track record of securing funding and managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and associated software (e.g., STATA, R, NVivo, Excel).
• Established reputation and professional network in relevant fields.

Skills

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align research with policy and practice needs.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present complex findings to varied audiences.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Advanced project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and relationship-building.
• Commitment to equity, rigor, and innovation in research.