Research Assistant, Learning Supports

American Institutes for Research; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research is seeking a Research Assistant for its Learning Supports program. The role supports multiple projects focusing on improving student learning outcomes, including instruction, ed tech, leadership development, and supports for English learners and students with disabilities. The position offers remote work within the U.S.

or from AIR’s U.S. office locations; candidates must be willing to travel. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the social sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and data collection approaches (synthesis, surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups).
• Experience with learning communication tools and strategies, including social media.
• Experience with or interest in data analysis software such as NVivo, R, or Stata is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews to support research projects and proposal development.
• Prepare and clean data for analysis, renaming variables, deriving variables, and checking datasets for errors.
• 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 recruitment and engagement of schools and districts in research studies.
• Serve as primary point of contact for schools and teachers, coordinating data collection activities.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets, databases, and tracking tools for project activities.
• Support business development by researching funding opportunities and preparing proposals.
• Identify, review, and develop scholarly materials communicating research findings.
• Prepare research products, presentations, and communication materials for dissemination.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Collaborative team work

Microsoft Office

Time management

Communication

Multi-project management

Stakeholder communication

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, education technology, leadership development, and supports for special populations such as English learners and students with disabilities. The ideal candidate will bring enthusiasm for 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. Candidates must be willing to travel.

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

• 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 efforts to recruit and engage schools and districts in research studies, including conducting outreach, building relationships, and coordinating recruitment activities.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for schools and teachers, providing ongoing communication and coordination related to study data collection activities.
• 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.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• 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 preferred, 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, locs, 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 [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 $25 - $28 USD