Senior Researcher, International Development (Part-Time)

American Institutes for Research; United States; Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 88,000; Part time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research is seeking a part-time Senior Researcher to support our International Development program. The role offers US-based remote or office options, with leadership across research and evaluation projects to improve outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

You will guide study design, data collection, analysis, and client engagement while translating findings into actionable insights for policy and practice.

Qualifications

• PhD in Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, International Development or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; or a Master’s with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Firm understanding of implementation science and applied research.
• Ability to develop work plans and timelines from big ideas.
• Experience in contract research or evaluation organizations.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis using common tools.
• Experience leading project or task teams and managing client relationships.
• Experience with business pursuit (grants/proposals) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day project operations as principal investigator, project director, or task lead.
• Lead collaborative teams with timelines, staffing, and deliverables on time and within budget.
• Identify research problems and design studies to address key questions.
• Apply subject-matter expertise to design relevant research projects.
• Develop study designs with clear research questions and analytic plans.
• Lead and contribute to research proposals for federal, state, foundations, and clients.
• Devise innovative solutions to practical challenges in applied research.
• Oversee data collection and analysis efforts.
• Supervise qualitative and/or quantitative data collection tools and activities.
• Communicate study progress and findings clearly for clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, briefs, and visualizations to present findings.
• Manage client and partner relationships and represent AIR professionally.

Skills

Communication

Client management

Facilitation

Attention to detail

Virtual collaboration

Education

PhD or Master’s in related field

Tools

Stata

R

Excel

NVivo

Job description

Senior Researcher, International Development (Part-Time)

US-Remote | US-VA-Arlington | US-NC-Chapel Hill | US-IL-Chicago | US-CA-Sacramento | US-TX-Austin

AIR is seeking apart-time Senior Researcher to support our International Development program. This position provides leadership and technical expertise across research, evaluation, and implementation projects focused on improving outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. The Senior Researcher will contribute to the design, management, and execution of complex studies and technical assistance engagements for a range of clients and funders, including U.S. government agencies, foundations, multilateral organizations, and international partners.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in applied research and evaluation, implementation science, project management, and international development. This role requires the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, develop proposals, and translate research findings into actionable insights that inform policy and practice. The Senior Researcher will collaborate with colleagues across AIR to advance evidence-based solutions that strengthen systems, improve program effectiveness, and promote sustainable development outcomes globally.

Candidates hired for the position may 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:

• Manage day-to-day project operations in roles such as principal investigator, project director, or task lead.
• Lead collaborative project teams by developing timelines, coordinating staff assignments, and ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Identify research problems and design studies to address key questions in applied research contexts.
• Apply subject-matter expertise to design and implement relevant, responsive, and impactful research projects.
• Develop study designs with aligned research questions, methodologies, and analytic plans.
• Lead and contribute to research proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients.
• Devise and implement innovative solutions to practical challenges in applied research.
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts.
• Oversee the design and planning of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection tools, such as interview protocols, focus group guides, and surveys.
• Supervise field-based data collection activities, including interviews, observations, focus groups, and document reviews.
• Conduct or oversee data analysis using appropriate tools and techniques for various data types.
• Communicate study progress and findings clearly and effectively.
• Prepare reports, briefs, visualizations, and other materials that interpret and present research findings for clients and stakeholders.
• Manage client, partner, and stakeholder relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and representing AIR with professionalism and awareness of the broader policy and practice landscape.
• Contribute thoughtfully and creatively to project teams.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• PhD in Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Firm understanding of implementation science .
• Ability to take big ideas and develop work plans and timelines .
• Experience at contract research and/or evaluation organization(s) .
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methodologies, including interviews, observations, and survey research, as well as data analysis using tools such as Stata, R, Excel, NVivo, or similar software.
• Experience managing project and/or task teams on research and evaluation projects .
• Experience building and maintaining client and partner relationships .
• Experience with business pursuit (e.g., grant and proposal writing) .

Skills

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including strong communication skills with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings.
• Strong negotiator and communicator, with excellent client management skills.
• Strong presentation, professional development delivery, and facilitation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.
• Can collaborate effectively in a virtual work environment.

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.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program , is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission.

The 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

$61 - $64 USD