Disability Researcher

AIR is seeking a Researcher for disability research projects within the Employment and Economic Opportunity program. The Researcher leads research tasks on research projects under the direction of a principal investigator using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Disability work within EEOP focuses on building and improving the use of evidence that can help adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities achieve full integration into all aspects of life, including and not limited to employment, independent living, and social engagement. The Researcher will contribute to disability-oriented business development efforts, research and evaluation projects, and work to produce and disseminate knowledge across a variety of topics—including vocational rehabilitation, and other career development efforts for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities. We seek someone aspiring to become a leader within a fast-paced yet collegial environment, working as part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs.
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:
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.
Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for client reports, technical memos, and presentations.
Support proposal development through writing technical sections, developing budgets, and contributing to proposal strategy.
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 dissemination activities.
Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
Qualifications:
Education, Knowledge, and Experience
PhD in related subject area (Rehabilitation Science, Disability Studies, Communications, Psychology, Sociology, or related field), or a master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant applied research experience.
Experience working on research or evaluation projects for federal, state, or local agencies or other public or nonprofit entities.
Experience with co-authoring systematic review, scoping reviews or other rigorous evidence syntheses using written protocols.
Familiarity with knowledge translation theory and practice.
Familiarity with producing 508-compliant documents.
Demonstrated experience with research design, data analysis, and reporting.
Experience with data collection activities from the field using a variety of methodologies and data collection techniques such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and/or survey research.
Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in at least one statistical or qualitative analysis tool (e.g., R, Stata, Python, NVivo, Dedoose).
Effective communication skills, with an ability to convey complex information, and collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Proven ability to coach junior staff and foster inclusive team dynamics.
Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, SharePoint).

Skills
Python, Data Analysis, Business Development

Experience
4+ yrs