Quantitative Researcher, Workforce Development
Overview
Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is one of the world's largest behavioral and social science research and evaluation organizations. Our mission is to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world. AIR works with federal, state, and local government agencies, philanthropies and other organizations to conduct research and evaluation and provide technical assistance in the areas of education, health and workforce development, in the U.S. and abroad.
AIR is currently seeking Quantitative Researchers for our Workforce Development Program. This position can be remote or located out of any of the following AIR locations once offices are reopened: Crystal City, VA, Rockville, MD, Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, Chapel Hill, NC or Sacramento, CA.
Responsibilities
The Quantitative Researchers will work on multiple projects across the above areas, with responsibilities that include:
- Contribute to the conceptualization and design of research studies
- Design data collection frameworks and/or data crosswalks
- Analyze, interpret, and report on complex quantitative data using appropriate statistical and/or psychometric methods (multiple linear regression, HLM, Structural Equation Modeling, IRT, etc.)
- Write reports, briefs, proposals, and other documents that are clear, concise, thoughtful, audience-friendly and contribute substantively to the field
- Monitor, coordinate, and provide direction to assigned project staff; providing advice and guidance on appropriate research methods, analysis, and reporting
- Lead tasks and projects using rigorous designs such as randomized control trials, regression discontinuity, and quasi-experimental designs with tight controls
- Develop and manage daily relationships with clients to plan, implement, and present study results while maintaining appropriate professional objectivity
Qualifications
Required:
- Ph.D. in Education, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Public Policy or other related field, or Master’s degree with 4-7 years of relevant work experience
- Able to apply advanced statistical methods, and able to communicate effectively about these methods to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Highly proficient in STATA or R, and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projects
- Knowledge or experience with the analysis of large-scale data sets, and experimental and quasi-experimental designs
- Prior quantitative research on policy-relevant topics in education using advanced methods such as fixed effects, regression discontinuity, or instrumental variables
Preferred:
Relevant expertise, experience, and interest in research and study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting on any/all of the following topic areas:
- College readiness and success initiatives
- College planning, financial aid, and student debt
- Community/technical colleges and state systems
- 4-year colleges and universities, including historical black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs)
- Minority serving institutions, including Tribal Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic Serving Institutions
- Career and technical education programming and pathways
- Regional comprehensive colleges and educational access and pathways for rural students
- Adult education and adult-serving institutions/programs of higher education
- Military/veteran students
- Education/job training and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities
- Labor demand/supply analysis, job skills analysis, and development of skill assessments
- Unemployment insurance, job training/retraining, job matching, and apprenticeships
- Sector-focused workforce and economic development strategies
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education settings and the workplace
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of 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 rigorous reference and background checks.