Mixed Methods Disability Researcher

About the Role

The role is part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs, and as such, you will be expected to contribute to disability-oriented business development efforts, research and evaluation projects, and work to produce and disseminate knowledge across a variety of topics. This includes vocational rehabilitation and other career development efforts for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities.

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. By joining the team, you will be part of an organization that generates evidence and applies data-driven solutions to expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

What You Will Do

• Demonstrate and apply content knowledge and methodological expertise to study design decisions, project activities, and reporting.
• Contribute to or supervise the collection and management of data for projects.
• Lead or contribute to designs for rigorous experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive studies.
• Lead or contribute to quantitative analysis and write-up of research technical reports, briefs, and other project deliverables.
• Carry out task management activities, including supervising junior staff, communicating with senior managers, and communicating with clients as appropriate.
• Engage in business development activities, including cultivating relationships with existing and potential new clients, capture planning, and managing or writing proposals.
• Support collaboration among team members, both internal and external to the organization.
• Contribute to dissemination activities, including presentations, journal manuscripts, issue briefs, data dashboards, infographics, and other products for a variety of audiences.
• Mentor staff, share approaches to solving concrete study design and analytic problems, and provide feedback on the work of others.

What We Are Looking For

• Ph.D. in Higher Education, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Public Policy, or other related field, or Master’s degree with 4-7 years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in disability research, including familiarity with disability policy, vocational rehabilitation systems, independent living supports, and evidence-based practices that promote employment and community participation for adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities.
• Experience with mixed-methods data collection using structured interviews, observations, surveys, and other qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Experience leading mixed-methods data analysis, including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis as well as management and analysis of interview and focus group data.
• Demonstrated familiarity with data organization, including database structure, record layout, and data quality control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice to Have

• Experience with programmatic tools and technologies, such as data visualization software and statistical programming languages.
• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines and principles, and experience with accessible data visualization and reporting.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools, such as Agile and Asana.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in the United States.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experts in the field.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.
• Flexible working hours and a healthy work-life balance.

• When applying, make sure to highlight your experience with mixed-methods data collection and analysis, as well as your familiarity with disability research and policy.
• Be prepared to provide specific examples of your work, including study designs, data analysis, and dissemination activities.
• Familiarize yourself with AIR’s mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization’s goals.
• Consider reaching out to current or former employees to learn more about the company culture and what it’s like to work at AIR.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills – be prepared to provide examples of how you have worked collaboratively with teams and stakeholders in the past.
• Make sure to proofread your application carefully, and have a friend or mentor review it as well to catch any typos or errors.