Medicaid Principal Researcher

Company: American Institutes for Research
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

Join AIR as a Medicaid Principal Researcher with our Healthcare Innovations team. Our team works collaboratively to unravel the intertwined challenges of health care quality, costs, and access. Our team of experts – nurses, physicians, psychologists, economists, sociologists, data scientists, and public health experts – advance evidence and save lives by leading rigorous research and evaluation; results-driven technical assistance and training; and leading-edge data science and technology tools. 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: 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. 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 Medicaid coverage and payment policies and care delivery frameworks 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 project management experience. 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 Medicaid policy, Medicare, and/or dually-enrolled individuals. Knowledge of Medicaid claims and administrative data, 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. Proven ability to provide technical assistance and guidance to federal and state agencies related to Medicaid policies 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 safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000. Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams. AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States. Anticipated Annual Salary Range $155,000 - $190,000 USD

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