Medicaid Principal Researcher New

American Institutes for Research
Chicago, IL

Join AIR as a Medicaid Principal Researcher with our Healthcare Innovations team. Our team works collaboratively to unravel the intertwined challenges of health care quality, costs, and access. Our team of experts – nurses, physicians, psychologists, economists, sociologists, data scientists, and public health experts – advance evidence and save lives by leading rigorous research and evaluation; results-driven technical assistance and training; and leading-edge data science and technology tools.

This position has the flexibility to 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:

  • Leads project and task execution and business development, specifically for work conducted for CMS and the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI).
  • Directs execution of large complex projects or portfolio of smaller projects; oversees the planning, design, and implementation of project procedures.
  • Leads proposal efforts including review of proposals for sound practices and techniques, briefings, and client relation/development activities.
  • Serves as industry expert for alternative payment models, value-based reimbursement, or Medicaid coverage and payment policies and care delivery frameworks
  • Effectively coaches and manages others to promote their development; sets developmental goals and measurements for staff.
  • Fosters an environment that values a wide range of perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and individual strengths.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

  • Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research or related work or Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years project management experience.
  • Direct experience on prior or current CMMI alternative payment model contracts.
  • Proven track record of winning new business with CMS, AHRQ, or other HHS agencies.
  • Extensive knowledge of Medicaid policy, Medicare, and/or dually-enrolled individuals.
  • Knowledge of Medicaid claims and administrative data, provider claims, survey data, and publicly available datasets.

Skills

  • Must possess strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills at a senior level.
  • Extensive success in writing, conceptualizing, analyzing, and consulting on large-scale federally funded projects.
  • Proven ability to provide technical assistance and guidance to federal and state agencies related to Medicaid policies
  • Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.

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 age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. 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 [email protected] call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example [email protected] is correct and [email protected] is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out [email protected]. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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 Annual Salary Range

$155,000 - $190,000 USD

Posted 2026-04-15

Recommended Jobs

Sr. Brand Manager, Amazing Grass

Glanbia
Downers Grove, IL

We’re More Than a Greens Company, We’re a Movement. For over 3 generations we’ve organically grown and harvested the most nutrient-dense greens on Earth. Today, we authentically craft our greens with …

View Details
Posted 2026-04-11

Precision Machinist - Manual Lathe (Hiring Immediately)

DREISILKER ELECTRIC MOTORS INC
Oak Brook, IL

Description: Job Summary: Set up and operate manual lathes, Bridgeport style milling machines with the ability to hold tight tolerances. Responsibilities and Skills Required: Have an under…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-09

Moline-Plumbing Showroom Sales

Connor Co.
Moline, IL

Job Description Job Description Connor Co., a company rich in history, currently has an available Plumbing Showroom Sales position in Moline, IL . We are seeking a career-minded individual wh…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-11

Senior Business Travel Consultant - GDS

Yokoy
Chicago, IL

Location Chicago Address Chicago, Illinois Employment Type Full time Location Type Hybrid Department Customer Care Compensation ~$58K – $68K About Us Perk (for…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-20

TaaS Project Manager

HOATalent
Chicago, IL

HOATalent is hiring on behalf of The CAM Collective The CAM Collective (TCC) is a community-driven professional services platform built to support forward-thinking companies in real estate, prop…

View Details
Posted 2026-02-12

Chef

Wicker64 Bar & Grill
Chicago, IL

Position Overview Wicker 64 is seeking an experienced and motivated Chef to lead kitchen operations and ensure high-quality food preparation, consistency, and kitchen efficiency. The Chef is responsi…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-21

Summer Associate Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs VISTA

AmeriCorps
Chicago, IL

Summer Associates placed through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs will be working on a variety of projects. All projects will focus on food security and food/nutrition education. These activi…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-15

Server

Kingston Mines
Chicago, IL

Kingston Mines, a famous Lincoln Park blues nightclub, is looking for energetic, outgoing, friendly, service-oriented, self-starters. We are looking for servers to join our team, part-time (30+ ho…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-27

Cosmetology Teacher -Evenings

Tricoci University
Rockford, IL

Join Our Team as a Cosmetology Teacher at Tricoci University! About Us: Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is a dynamic leader in beauty education, committed to empowering the next generation …

View Details
Posted 2025-11-12

Product Delivery Manager - Experience Operations

Eliassen Group
Springfield, IL

Product Delivery Manager - Experience Operations Anywhere Type: Contract Category: Program/Project Management Industry: Communications Workplace Type: Remote Refere…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-09