Principal Researcher, Patient Reported Outcomes Measure

AIR is seeking a Principal Researcher, Patient Reported Outcomes Measure to join AIR’s Health Transformation Team. We work to advance equitable, high-quality, affordable, patient-centered care through rigorous research, evaluation, and technical assistance that focuses on what matters most to patients, families, clinicians, and the broader healthcare community.

We have a strong focus on quality measurement to ensure patients receive safe, equitable care. We also translate research evidence to promote understanding and adoption of best practices by patients, families, caregivers, physicians, nurses, insurers, health systems leaders, and policymakers. In addition, our expertise includes promoting evidence-based care for a range of clinical conditions; improving patient safety; and engaging patients and family members in the delivery of care.

Candidates hired for this position may work remotely within the United States or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

This position is contingent upon the successful award of funding.

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:

• Lead the design, testing, implementation, and analysis of patient surveys to collect data on health status, symptoms, quality of life, and care experiences.
• Design new patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs), and adapt existing instruments for specific clinical conditions, ensuring clarity, validity, and reliability.
• Integrate PROMs into clinical workflows using electronic health records (EHRs) and/or paper-based data collection methods, and oversee data collection to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee the cleaning, management, and statistical analysis of patient-reported data to identify trends and insights related to patient experiences and outcomes.
• Develop reports, visualizations, and other deliverables to communicate findings clearly to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with clients, project teams, and external stakeholders to interpret PROM data and apply findings to quality improvement, policy, and decision-making.
• Present findings in meetings, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and support dissemination efforts.
• Contribute to research studies that use PROMs to evaluate treatment effectiveness, patient outcomes, and care delivery.
• Support quality measure development efforts as a core member of research teams.
• Represent quality measure development teams in areas of expertise during meetings and calls with measure stewards and other stakeholders, ensuring clear documentation and follow-through on action items.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, manuscripts, and other written products for clients and broader technical and general audiences.
• Provide strategic and technical expertise in patient-reported outcomes to inform business development activities and shape AIR’s research agenda.
• Mentor and guide junior staff by sharing best practices, problem-solving approaches, and constructive feedback.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, site-based staff, measure stewards, and other stakeholders, representing AIR effectively.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology, Educational Psychology, or another behavioral science discipline (e.g., psychology, sociology) with an emphasis on measurement and a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience.
  • Candidates with advanced degrees in related fields (e.g., health policy, statistics, economics, medicine, epidemiology) with appropriate experience will also be considered.
  • Candidates with a master’s degree and equivalent experience in the research and development of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and/or patient-reported experience measures (PREMs), including national recognition or a strong publication record, will also be considered.
• Sophisticated understanding of and extensive experience applying psychometric methods to the development and evaluation of PROMs and PREMs.
• Expertise in survey design, including validity and reliability testing, with demonstrated knowledge of classical test theory and modern test theory.
• Understanding of medical conditions, treatment options, and patient experiences as they relate to patient-reported measurement.
• Proficiency in statistical software packages used to analyze patient-reported data.
• Experience organizing, managing, and overseeing data collection and analysis processes.
• Ability to consult effectively with clinicians, researchers, and programmers to interpret clinical and technical measurement requirements, specifications, and testing results.
• Knowledge of Consensus-Based Entity (CBE) requirements and federal rule-making processes.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex findings, produce concise summaries and briefings, and deliver effective presentations and facilitation.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy in writing and reporting.
• Ability to mentor and teach junior staff in the development, evaluation, and analysis of PROMs and PREMs.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, track tasks to completion, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively on complex research projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email/calendar management.

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.

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