Research Assistant, Learning Supports

American Institutes for Research; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research is seeking a Research Assistant to support its Learning Supports program. The role focuses on improving student learning outcomes across projects addressing instruction, leadership development, and supports for English learners and students with disabilities.

The candidate will grow skills in research and technical assistance, collaborate across initiatives, and contribute to multiple projects with strong organizational skills. Remote work within the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and data collection approaches (surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups).
• Experience with or interest in learning communication tools and strategies (social media).
• Experience with or interest in data analysis tools (NVivo, R, Stata) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews to support research projects and proposal development activities.
• Prepare and clean data for analysis, including renaming variables, generating derived variables, and reviewing datasets for errors and missing values.
• Code and review studies for research synthesis and evidence review projects.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses and contribute to reporting and interpretation of findings.
• Support communication and coordination with school and district leaders.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets, databases, and tracking tools to support project activities.
• Support business development by researching funding opportunities and contributing to proposals.
• Assist in identifying and developing scholarly materials that communicate research findings.
• Prepare research products, presentations, and communication materials for delivery and dissemination.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organization

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or related field

Tools

NVivo

R

Stata

Job description

AIR is seeking a Research Assistant for its Learning Supports program. This position will support a growing portfolio of research focused on improving student learning outcomes, including projects related to instruction, leadership development, and supports for special populations such as English learners and students with disabilities. The ideal candidate will bring enthusiasm for developing skills in both research and technical assistance, communicating about project and organizational initiatives, and contributing broadly across program activities. The position will support multiple projects simultaneously and requires strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills. 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. Preference will be given to candidates who are available to work from AIR's headquarters in Crystal City, VA.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct literature reviews to support research projects and proposal development activities.
• Prepare and clean data for analysis, including renaming variables, generating derived variables, and reviewing datasets for errors and missing values.
• Code and review studies for research synthesis and evidence review projects.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses and contribute to the reporting and interpretation of findings.
• Support communication and coordination with school and district leaders.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets, databases, and tracking tools to support project activities.
• Support business development efforts by researching funding opportunities, conducting literature reviews, and contributing to proposal development.
• Assist in identifying, reviewing, and developing scholarly materials that communicate research findings.
• Prepare research products, presentations, and communication materials for delivery and dissemination.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge of or experience with research methodologies and data collection approaches, such as research synthesis screening, survey design, structured interviews, observations, and focus groups.
• Experience with or interest in learning communication tools and strategies, including social media platforms.
• Experience with or interest in learning software programs such as NVivo, R, or Stata for data analysis is a plus, but not required.

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with project stakeholders and external partners.

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 braids, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status.

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 [e-mail] or call 202.403.5000.

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 Hourly Rate Range $27 — $33 USD.