Research Assistant, Healthcare Transformation
American Institutes for Research
Summary
Join AIR as a Research Assistant with our Healthcare Transformation Program. We work collaboratively to unravel the intertwined challenges of health care quality, costs, and access. Our work includes critical support for program integrity; ensuring that limited government funds are spent as intended to support access to health insurance. The individual selected for this role will support this goal by joining the team responsible for reviewing insurance applications on State-Based health insurance exchanges to identify improper payments. 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. Availability to work Eastern Time hours is preferred.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Complete reviews of insurance applications based on State-based Exchange (SBE) eligibility criteria, informed by health policy and regulation.
- Support in the production of review progress reports based on SBE insurance application reviews.
- Communicate with team leads effectively regarding progress, identified risks, and potential issues.
- Develop meeting materials and support communication with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) client and SBE stakeholders.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure timely completion of tasks and deliverables.
- Support the development and distribution of project reports, presentations, and other deliverables.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to planning and execution of CMS client requirements.
- Provide new business and proposal development support by engaging in tasks such as researching funding opportunities, conducting literature reviews, writing proposal sections, etc.
Qualifications
Education, Knowledge, and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in the social sciences or related fields.
- 1–2 years of experience, preferably in a client services or customer-facing environment.
- Knowledge of CMS preferred.
- Knowledge of Health Insurance Exchanges preferred.
- Experience communicating with clients or stakeholders in a professional setting.
Skills
- Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a virtual team.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Customer service mindset and a proactive approach to supporting client needs.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in the social sciences or related fields
- 1–2 years of experience, preferably in a client services or customer-facing environment
- Experience communicating with clients or stakeholders in a professional setting
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a virtual team
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality
- Customer service mindset
- Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis
Company overview
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a leading nonprofit, nonpartisan behavioral and social science research organization founded in 1946. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AIR operates as one of the world's largest social science research institutions with over 1,800 staff members across multiple U.S. locations and international offices. The organization specializes in conducting rigorous research, evaluation, and technical assistance across three primary domains: education, health, and workforce development. AIR's mission centers on generating and utilizing evidence-based approaches to address complex social challenges and promote equity. The institute maintains strict independence and objectivity in its work, collaborating with government agencies, educational institutions, and international development organizations. Notable initiatives include Project Talent, a landmark longitudinal study tracking 400,000 high school students, and various federal projects supporting education policy implementation and workforce development. AIR's expertise spans early childhood education, K-12 systems, higher education, healthcare delivery, mental health services, and international development programs, consistently applying scientific rigor to inform policy and practice improvements.