Mixed Methods Disability Researcher

AIR is seeking a  Mixed Methods Disability Researcher for disability-focused projects within the Employment and Economic Opportunity program. Under the direction of a principal investigator, the Researcher leads project tasks using both quantitative and qualitative methods, working with teams that use findings to develop products and toolkits designed for the general public and to inform training and technical assistance. 

Disability work within EEOP focuses on building and improving the use of evidence that can help adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities achieve full integration into all aspects of life, including and not limited to employment, independent living, and social engagement. The Researcher will contribute to disability-oriented business development efforts, research and evaluation projects, and work to produce and disseminate knowledge across a variety of topics—including vocational rehabilitation, and other career development efforts for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities. We seek someone aspiring to become a leader within a fast-paced yet collegial environment, working as part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs. 

Candidates hired for the position may 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: 

Demonstrating and applying content knowledge and methodological expertise to study design decisions, project activities, and reporting. 

Contributing to or supervising collection and management of data for projects; · Leading or contributing to designs for rigorous experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive studies. 

Leading or contributing to quantitative analysis and write-up of research technical reports, briefs and other project deliverables.

Carrying out task management activities, including supervising junior staff, communicating with senior managers, and communicating with clients as appropriate.

Engaging in business development activities, including cultivating relationships with existing and potential new clients, capture planning, managing or writing proposals.

Supporting collaboration among team members, both internal and external to the organization.

Contributing to dissemination activities, including presentations, journal manuscripts, issue briefs, data dashboards, infographics and other products for a variety of audiences. 

Mentoring staff, share approaches to solving concrete study design and analytic problems, and provide feedback on the work of others.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Ph.D. in Higher Education, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Public Policy or other related field, or Master’s degree with 4-7 years of relevant work experience. 

Demonstrated expertise in disability research, including familiarity with disability policy, vocational rehabilitation systems, independent living supports, and evidence-based practices that promote employment and community participation for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities.

Experience with mixed‑methods data collection using structured interviews, observations, surveys, and other qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Experience leading mixed‑methods data analysis , including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis as well as management and analysis of interview and focus group data.

Demonstrated familiarity with data organization , including database structure, record layouts, and file structure.

Experience with co-authoring systematic reviews, scoping reviews or other rigorous evidence syntheses using written protocols.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of research principles and research design.

Knowledge of various analytic and data management software (e.g., SPSS, Excel, STATA, R, NVivo, Airtable).

Familiarity with responsible use of artificial intelligence in research activities.

Experience with developing and implementing interventions and their outcome evaluations.

Skills

Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings. 

Demonstrated ability to engage in knowledge translation, including effectively engaging stakeholders and communicating research findings and policy implications to policymakers, practitioners, and the general public, including people with disabilities.

Passion for bringing rigorous evidence to bear on policy and programmatic decision-making that improves lives. 

The position is ideal for someone who enjoys working as part of a team, likes working in an entrepreneurial atmosphere within a growing program area, and is committed to advancing economic opportunity for all, including people with disabilities. 

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 any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status . 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.org  or call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:  AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to recruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

#LI-AS1 #LI-REMOTE AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

Anticipated Annual Salary Range $92,700 — $113,000 USD