[Hiring] Senior Researcher @American Institutes for Research

Role Description

AIR is seeking a part-time Senior Researcher to support our International Development program. This position provides leadership and technical expertise across research, evaluation, and implementation projects focused on improving outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. The Senior Researcher will contribute to the design, management, and execution of complex studies and technical assistance engagements for a range of clients and funders, including U.S. government agencies, foundations, multilateral organizations, and international partners.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in applied research and evaluation, implementation science, project management, and international development. This role requires the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, develop proposals, and translate research findings into actionable insights that inform policy and practice. The Senior Researcher will collaborate with colleagues across AIR to advance evidence-based solutions that strengthen systems, improve program effectiveness, and promote sustainable development outcomes globally.

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.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day project operations in roles such as principal investigator, project director, or task lead.
• Lead collaborative project teams by developing timelines, coordinating staff assignments, and ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Identify research problems and design studies to address key questions in applied research contexts.
• Apply subject-matter expertise to design and implement relevant, responsive, and impactful research projects.
• Develop study designs with aligned research questions, methodologies, and analytic plans.
• Lead and contribute to research proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients.
• Devise and implement innovative solutions to practical challenges in applied research.
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts.
• Oversee the design and planning of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection tools, such as interview protocols, focus group guides, and surveys.
• Supervise field-based data collection activities, including interviews, observations, focus groups, and document reviews.
• Conduct or oversee data analysis using appropriate tools and techniques for various data types.
• Communicate study progress and findings clearly and effectively.
• Prepare reports, briefs, visualizations, and other materials that interpret and present research findings for clients and stakeholders.
• Manage client, partner, and stakeholder relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and representing AIR with professionalism and awareness of the broader policy and practice landscape.
• Contribute thoughtfully and creatively to project teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Firm understanding of implementation science.
• Ability to take big ideas and develop work plans and timelines.
• Experience at contract research and/or evaluation organization(s).
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methodologies, including interviews, observations, and survey research, as well as data analysis using tools such as Stata, R, Excel, NVivo, or similar software.
• Experience managing project and/or task teams on research and evaluation projects.
• Experience building and maintaining client and partner relationships.
• Experience with business pursuit (e.g., grant and proposal writing).

Skills

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including strong communication skills with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings.
• Strong negotiator and communicator, with excellent client management skills.
• Strong presentation, professional development delivery, and facilitation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.
• Can collaborate effectively in a virtual work environment.

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.
• 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.
• 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 [email protected] or call 202.403.5000.

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Anticipated Hourly Rate Range

$61 — $64 USD