Quantitative Researcher, Evidence Synthesis & Meta-Analysis

AIR is seeking a Quantitative Researcher to contribute to rigorous evidence synthesis and quantitative research across a range of education projects. The Quantitative Researcher will design and conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses, evaluate the quality and strength of research evidence, and apply advanced quantitative methods to impact evaluations. The role will collaborate with researchers, subject matter experts, and clients to translate complex evidence into clear, actionable insights that inform education policy, programs, and practice.

This position has the flexibility to 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

• Develop research designs and study protocols for evidence synthesis across education, workforce, and health programs and topic areas.
• Design and implement transparent, reproducible evidence synthesis workflows, including literature screening, data extraction, quality assessment, effect-size calculation, and meta-analysis.
• Apply appropriate methods to extract and synthesize evidence from diverse research designs, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies (e.g., regression discontinuity designs), single-case designs, and other quantitative research approaches.
• Conduct meta-analyses using advanced statistical methods and software, including methods for assessing heterogeneity, exploring variation in effects, and evaluating selective reporting bias.
• Develop and apply evidence review frameworks, study quality standards, and evidence-rating criteria for evidence clearinghouses, research syntheses, and related initiatives.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of impact evaluations, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, using appropriate quantitative methods to estimate program impacts.
• Collaborate with clients and subject matter experts to develop and refine evidence review criteria and processes that align with project goals and policy needs.
• Contribute to the design, testing, and improvement of tools and software that support evidence synthesis workflows and methods.
• Develop and deliver training and other professional learning activities related to evidence synthesis methods and tools.
• Prepare written materials (e.g., technical reports and policy briefs) that communicate findings in ways that are accessible and useful to policymakers and other decision makers.
• Present findings to clients, professional associations, and the public.
• Manage or lead projects and tasks, assuming greater responsibility for project management over time.
• Participate in, and where appropriate lead, efforts to develop research proposals that generate external funding for evidence synthesis and impact evaluation studies.
• Mentor and support junior staff by providing methodological guidance, sharing approaches to solving problems, and providing feedback on their work.

Qualifications Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• A Master's degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience, or a Ph.D., in education, statistics, research methods, or a related field, with demonstrated experience conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
• Experience conducting key components of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including literature screening, study coding, data extraction, effect-size calculation, and quantitative synthesis.
• Knowledge of diverse quantitative research designs, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs, and demonstrated ability to assess study quality and apply quantitative methods in impact evaluation and evidence synthesis.
• Experience applying evidence standards, review criteria, or evidence-rating frameworks in research syntheses, evidence clearinghouses, or related initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex methodological concepts and research findings clearly, both orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

• Expertise in advanced evidence synthesis methods, including…