Senior Researcher

Overview:

Join AIR as a Senior Researcher with our Education Systems & Policy (ESP) team and be involved in our longstanding legacy of providing rigorous, impartial evidence-based research and resources on pressing and perennial education issues. The ESP team studies and supports organizations and infrastructure at the local, state, and national levels focusing on the people who operate PK-12 education systems to improve the organization of schooling and advance the organizations within those systems.

This position has the flexibility to work remote from anywhere in the United States or from any of AIR's U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.  

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

The Senior Researcher will provide project leadership for several major contract and grant research projects. In this role, the senior researcher is responsible for conceptualizing the vision for this work, providing support for project teams in developing and carrying out the work, following sound project management practices to ensure the timely completion of all deliverables within budget, and with high quality research standards that meet client requirements. This position is ideal for someone who has experience partnering with state or local education agencies.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Serve as principal investigator and/or project director for education systems projects; manage or lead projects or tasks, including associated teams and budgets.
• Develop conceptual frameworks and research designs for rigorous experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive studies.
• Manage and analyze large-scale data files for research, including data sets common for K-12 education, higher education, and employment, using STATA or R.
• Apply appropriate quantitative techniques to collect and analyze data.
• Prepare technical reports and journal articles and presenting findings to clients and the public.
• Mentor junior research analysts, sharing approaches to solving concrete problems, and providing feedback on the work of others.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Write research proposals for Federal, state, foundation, and other clients.
• Maintain excellent relationships, serves as the primary client contact, and actively pursue business development through client relationships, partnership development, and by staying abreast of the direction of the field.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Ph.D. in education, psychology, sociology, or other related field with 3 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 7 years of relevant work experience
• Experience managing research and evaluation projects for external clients
• Experience with the analysis of large-scale data sets, and experimental and quasi-experimental designs
• Experience effectively leading and mentoring diverse teams of researchers working on research-focused projects and/or tasks within large/complex projects, including managing for work excellence, timeliness, and on-budget execution
• Experience leading proposals, budgeting, and project management activities
• Experience in quantitative research on policy-relevant topics in education

 Skills:

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including strong communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment
• Proficient in Stata, R, or other statistical software

Disclosures:

This position is open to U.S. citizens only. Upon hire, incumbent will be required to obtain clearance through the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system.

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’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $118,000 - $145,000. 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.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

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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 at ftc.gov/scams.

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