Principal Researcher, Quality Improvement and Learning Systems- Health

Join AIR as a Principal Researcher with our Health team. Our Health 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.

 

Use your experience, knowledge, and education to help us deliver on our mission to contribute to a better, more equitable world.

 

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:

 

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

 

Responsibilities:

 

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Applying quality improvement and performance methods including Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Rapid Cycle Improvement (RCI), Six Sigma, Lean to support stakeholder needs.
• Using knowledge of evidence-based implementation strategies and best practice to support local and/or national improvement initiatives.
• Identifying and responding to technical assistance needs of stakeholders
• Manage fast-paced projects of moderate to high complexity, including effective budget management, quality management, and staff management
• Managing an online, collaboration space to support stakeholders
• Designing strategies and communications to engage stakeholders in learning and sharing in a virtual environment
• Monitor, coordinate, and provide work direction to assigned project staff and/or subcontractors, including review of their work to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to quality standards, policies, and procedures
• Managing and organizing online resources for stakeholder access and use
• Using data to monitor effectiveness of the online collaboration space
• Manage client expectations on a project or strategic level, including handling escalation on stakeholder/external issues
• Creating action plans to implement technical assistance solutions
• Supporting learning activities, such as webinars, affinity groups, office hours, and the development of written tools and resources
• Support new business development efforts, including proposal writing, and position work to capitalize on future business opportunities

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing or facilitating learning networks using online tools and resources.
• Experience applying evidence-based implementation strategies to advance adoption of healthcare quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects and teams, strong project management and staff supervision skills required.
• Experience in quality improvement methods/tools (e.g., Rapid cycle learning, Lean, PDSA, driver diagrams, etc.).
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Knowledge of human centered design.
• Knowledge and experience with healthcare learning collaboratives.
• Knowledge of social media strategy.
• Knowledge of digital library curation.
• Experience working in a grant or contract-funded environment is preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds,