Remote Principal Researcher - CMS & CMMI Evaluations

American Institutes for Research; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research seeks a Principal Researcher to lead CMS Innovation Center evaluations within the Healthcare Innovations team. You will guide complex studies, design evaluation plans, and interact with federal clients to shape policy.

The role requires senior leadership, strong project management, and expertise in designs, Medicare/Medicaid analyses, and large-scale federally funded projects. Remote-friendly within the U.S.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of research experience or a Master’s with 11 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years project management experience.
• Led or contributed to CMMI model evaluation contracts as Project Director/Technical Director/Deputy.
• Demonstrated success in writing winning proposals for CMS, AHRQ, or other HHS agencies.
• Extensive knowledge of Medicare payment policy, Medicare Advantage, and/or Medicaid.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development activities for CMS and CMMI, including capture planning and proposal development.
• Serve as Project Director or senior evaluation leader for complex CMS/CMMI evaluations.
• Provide senior technical leadership for CMMI evaluations, including quasi-experimental designs and Medicare analyses.
• Coach and develop staff; set developmental goals and measurements.
• Foster an inclusive environment valuing diverse perspectives and strengths.

Skills

Federal client relationships

Senior leadership

Proposal development

Communication of complex findings

Team leadership

Project management

Pre-RFP business development

Education

Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or related field

Master's degree + 11 years relevant experience

Job description

American Institutes for Research seeks a Principal Researcher to lead CMS Innovation Center evaluations within the Healthcare Innovations team. You will guide complex studies, design evaluation plans, and interact with federal clients to shape policy.

The role requires senior leadership, strong project management, and expertise in designs, Medicare/Medicaid analyses, and large-scale federally funded projects. Remote-friendly within the U.S.