Quantitative Education Researcher, Learning Supports

Quantitative Education Researcher, Learning Supports

AIR is seeking a Quantitative Education Researcher with expertise in education research and interest in the application of emerging educational technologies. This position will support a growing portfolio of research, including projects focused on understanding the role AI technologies play in educational opportunities, teaching practices, and student outcomes. The ideal candidate will bring excitement for communicating about our work in creative, far-reaching ways.

The position will contribute to and lead aspects of multiple projects and business development activities, with a particular emphasis on quantitative and mixed-methods research, evaluation design, statistical analysis, evidence generation, and dissemination. We seek a dynamic professional who is committed to producing rigorous, actionable research in education and who will thrive as part of a collaborative team working to address emerging opportunities and challenges in the field.

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.

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 this position include:

• Lead or contribute to the design and execution of rigorous research and evaluation projects.
• Apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data.
• Communicate and disseminate about our work and findings in creative, engaging, and accessible ways.
• Manage small to mid-sized tasks or project components, including planning timelines, tracking deliverables, and liaising with clients while maintaining positive and collaborative relationships.
• Mentor and guide junior staff through regular feedback, training, and modeling of research best practices.
• Engage with stakeholders and partners through meetings, briefings, and field engagement activities.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field (e.g., Education, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, Human Development, Psychology, Sociology), or a master's degree with at least 4 years of relevant applied research experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting research or evaluation studies, including data analysis and reporting.
• Experience supporting research or evaluation projects for federal, state, or local education agencies, school districts, or other public and nonprofit organizations.
• Experience collecting and analyzing data using qualitative and/or quantitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, observations, and surveys.
• Interest in the role of AI and emerging technologies in education.
• Knowledge of education policies, programs, and priorities at the federal, state, or local level.
• Commitment to producing evidence that informs education policy, practice, and decision-making.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including proficiency with at least one research or data analysis tool (e.g., R, Stata, Python, NVivo, Dedoose).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with project teams, clients, and external partners.
• Experience mentoring or coaching junior staff and contributing to an inclusive team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom, SharePoint).

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,…