Principal Researcher, Value-Based Specialty Care

Join AIR as a Principal Researcher, Value-Based Specialty Care with our Healthcare Innovations team. This senior research leadership role drives the design, execution, and evaluation of value‑based specialty care and alternative payment model initiatives—primarily for CMS and CMMI—while leading teams, shaping federal proposals, and translating evidence into actionable insights for healthcare stakeholders. The Principal Researcher will report into AIR's Healthcare Innovations Team, which supports high-quality implementation and produces rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of new approaches to care and payment—translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers, payers, providers, and patients. This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s 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: The responsibilities for the position include: Leads project and task execution and business development, specifically for work conducted for CMS and the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI). Directs execution of large complex projects or portfolio of smaller projects; oversees the planning, design, and implementation of project procedures. Provides senior subject matter expertise related to specialty care, including quality measures, payment policies, and program and model design. Leads proposal efforts including review of proposals for sound practices and techniques, briefings, and client relation/development activities. Serves as industry expert for alternative payment models, value-based reimbursement, or Medicare payment policies, especially as they relate to specialty care. Effectively coaches and manages others to promote their development; sets developmental goals and measurements for staff. Fosters an environment that values a wide range of perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and individual strengths. Qualifications: Education, Knowledge, and Experience Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research or related work or Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience. Minimum of 5 years of experience leading large federal contracts Direct experience on prior or current CMMI alternative payment model contracts. Proven track record of winning new business with CMS, AHRQ, or other HHS agencies. Extensive knowledge of Medicare payment policy, Medicare Advantage, and/or Medicaid. Knowledge of Medicare claims, provider claims, survey data, and publicly available datasets. Skills Must possess strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills at a senior level. Extensive success in writing, conceptualizing, analyzing, and consulting on large-scale federally funded projects. Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing. 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 age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safegu