Mixed Methods Disability Researcher

The role

The Researcher leads research tasks on disability research projects using quantitative and qualitative methods. This role involves contributing to business development, research and evaluation projects, and producing knowledge for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities.

What you will do

• Lead or contribute to the design and execution of rigorous research and evaluation projects.
• Apply qualitative and/or quantitative methods to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data.
• Translate complex findings into actionable insights for client reports, technical memos, and presentations.
• Support proposal development through writing technical sections, developing budgets, and contributing to strategy.
• Manage small to mid-sized tasks or project components.
• Mentor and guide junior staff through regular feedback and training.
• Engage with stakeholders and partners through meetings, briefings, and dissemination activities.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive work environment.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Rehabilitation Science, Disability Studies, Communications, Psychology, Sociology, or related field, or a master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant applied research experience.
• Experience working on research or evaluation projects for federal, state, or local agencies or other public or nonprofit entities.
• Experience with co-authoring systematic review, scoping reviews or other rigorous evidence syntheses using written protocols.
• Familiarity with knowledge translation theory and practice.
• Familiarity with producing 508-compliant documents.
• Demonstrated experience with research design, data analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with data collection activities from the field using interviews, focus groups, observations, and/or survey research.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical or qualitative analysis tool (e.g., R, Stata, Python, NVivo, Dedoose).
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines independently.
• Ability to coach junior staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, SharePoint).

About the company

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.