Fall 2026
Researcher Intern
National Center for Systemic Improvement
Updated on 9/8/2026
American Institutes for Research
1,001-5,000 employees
Nonprofit research and technical assistance
Compensation Overview
$25 - $30/hr
No H1B Sponsorship
Remote in USA + 8 more
More locations: Washington, DC, USA | Austin, TX, USA | Rockville, MD, USA | Chicago, IL, USA | Arlington County, Arlington, VA, USA | Sacramento, CA, USA | Waltham, MA, USA | Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Remote
Remote work is available within the United States; certain projects may require residency in specified locations.
Master's, PhD
 Academic & Institutional Research (1) |
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- Must currently be enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in special education, educational leadership, public policy, disability studies, education policy, or a closely related field focused on the education and development of students with disabilities.
- Demonstrated interest in leadership, policy, systems improvement, or state-level work related to special education.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information clearly for different audiences.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid or remote professional environment.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Experience with literature reviews, policy analysis, data-informed decision-making, or program support.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, their families, and the systems that serve them.
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
- Support projects related to the education of students with disabilities, with emphasis on state education agencies and special education systems-level work.
- Assist with reviewing, synthesizing, and organizing research, policy, guidance, and other resources relevant to special education leadership and improvement efforts.
- Contribute to the development of tools, materials, presentations, briefs, and other products for internal and external audiences.
- Participate in team meetings, professional learning opportunities, and mentorship activities with leaders in special education and related fields.
- Help analyze problems of practice and identify evidence-based strategies that support improved services, systems, and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.
- Collaborate with project staff to complete assigned tasks, monitor timelines, and communicate progress on internship activities.
- Complete a culminating project aligned with the priorities of the National Center for Systemic Improvement.
- Perform other related duties in support of learning goals and organizational needs.
American Institutes for Research conducts behavioral and social science research and provides technical assistance in education, health, and the workforce. The organization works by collecting data and evaluating programs to provide actionable recommendations and implementation support to domestic and international clients. Unlike many research firms, it operates as a nonpartisan nonprofit that combines academic study with hands-on capacity building to bridge the gap between evidence and practice. Its goal is to use high-quality research and data analysis to improve people's lives and inform public policy decisions.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$9.1M
Headquarters
null
Founded
1946
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- AIR began a Chicago office buildout in July 2026, signaling continued client demand.
- AIR won an Education Department delivery order in August 2026 worth up to $10.4 million.
- AIR keeps landing 2026 federal work across NSF, CMS, and Education, broadening backlog.
What critics are saying
- AIR filed Illinois and Massachusetts WARN notices in 2025, including 75 Chicago layoffs.
- If CMS and ED recompetes turn over, AIR loses core revenue and senior talent.
- Federal client dependence makes AIR vulnerable to grant delays, procurement shocks, and margin compression.
What makes American Institutes for Research unique
- AIR's NSF center launched May 2026 with SREB and USC for STEM translation.
- AIR won CMS BALANCE evaluation task order in April 2026 worth up to $20.6 million.
- AIR added CTO Richard Jacik in November 2025, uniting research and digital systems.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Phone/Internet Stipend
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Conference Attendance Budget
Professional Development Budget
Training Programs
Stock Options
Company Equity
Paid Sick Leave
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Hybrid Work Options
Childcare Support
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Adoption Assistance
Relocation Assistance
Parental Leave
Meal Benefits
Gym Membership
Commuter Benefits
Pet Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Certification Support
Mentorship Program
Employee Discounts
Employee Social Events
Home Office Stipend
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 4%1 year growth
↑ 4%2 year growth
↑ 4%The power of peer collaboration. Teachers know that students learn best when they are actively engaged in their own learning. The same applies to teacher professional development. TxCEE's Collaborative Language Acquisition Strategies for Success (CLASS) project is built on exactly this premise. Rather than positioning teachers as passive recipients of training, CLASS treats teachers as active contributors to one another's growth, thus leveraging collective expertise through structured collaboration to drive meaningful instructional improvement. How peer collaboration is embedded in CLASS. The CLASS model is intentionally designed around Collaborative Learning Communities (CLCs), the central mechanism through which peer collaboration occurs. In these communities, teachers meet regularly to focus on instruction, student learning, and continuous improvement. In these collaborative spaces, teachers work together to analyze student needs and progress, apply and test evidence-based instructional strategies, reflect on what works in real classroom settings, and refine their approaches over time. This structure ensures that collaboration is not just frequent, but purposeful and directly tied to classroom practice. But does this collaborative approach really work? What the evidence shows. The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has partnered with TxCEE to independently evaluate the CLASS program. Based on surveys, interviews, and focus groups with participating teachers, findings suggest that this collaborative approach is already yielding important benefits. As shown in the infographic below, most teachers perceived CLCs as moderately or extremely effective for: * Reviewing student data * Reflecting on instructional strategies * Learning new instructional strategies * Collaborating with colleagues on problems of practice * Engaging in authentic discussions with colleagues In interviews, teachers and school leaders described CLCs as energizing spaces for shared learning and reflection. As a participating 4th grade teacher noted, "I think the CLC meetings are really, really enriching. I enjoy going in there and sharing what we know and also bouncing off each other's strategies." A school principal echoed this enthusiasm, explaining that what stands out most is seeing teachers light up as they engage with one another's ideas and become open to trying new approaches in their classrooms. Beyond training: A shift in professional learning. Ultimately, the success of peer collaboration in CLASS reflects a broader shift in how professional learning is conceptualized. Rather than relying on external expertise alone, the project recognizes that teachers themselves are powerful learning resources. By centering collaboration, CLASS transforms professional development into an ongoing, interactive process where teachers learn from each other's experiences and continuously improve through shared reflection. This approach not only strengthens instruction in the short term but also builds lasting capacity within schools. As the CLASS project continues, it offers a compelling example of the power of collaboration to foster professional growth and strengthen instructional practice.
J.C. Anderson selected to build new Chicago office for American Institutes for Research. J.C. Anderson has been selected as the general contractor for a new office renovation for American Institutes for Research (AIR) at 200 South Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026. Designed by Ware Malcomb, the project will transform the space into AIR's new Chicago office, creating a modern workplace that supports collaboration, flexibility, and technology. The interior buildout will feature premium finishes and furnishings, upgraded IT infrastructure, and enhanced audiovisual capabilities to accommodate today's evolving workplace needs. The new office will incorporate DIRTT demountable office fronts throughout the space, providing long-term flexibility while maintaining a refined aesthetic. A telescoping partition in the primary conference room will allow the space to adapt for meetings and events of varying sizes, while specialty ceilings and custom millwork will further elevate the overall workplace experience. The project presents several technical challenges, including the installation of supplemental structural steel to support the telescoping partition and extensive coordination of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems above the specialty ceiling layouts. J.C. Anderson will work closely with the design team and trade partners to ensure the project's high-performance design is executed efficiently while maintaining schedule and quality. "We're excited to partner with American Institutes for Research and the project team to bring this new workplace to life," said Jon Zawiski, Project Executive at J.C. Anderson. "This project combines thoughtful design with technical complexity, and we're looking forward to delivering a space that supports AIR's mission while providing a flexible, modern environment for its Chicago team." Ware Malcomb is providing architectural services, Cresa is serving as project manager and Glenstar is the property's management company. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2026. Corporate headquarters. 834 North Church Road Elmhurst, IL 60126 630.834.1669 Chicago office. 225 W. Washington Street Suite 1250 Chicago, IL 60606
Postponement of the AIR-AERC 2026 Impact Evaluation Retooling Workshop for Teaching Faculty and Early Career Researchers. June 16, 2026 The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) Network, wishes to inform all applicants that the AIR-AERC 2026 Impact Evaluation Retooling Workshop for Teaching Faculty and Early Career Researchers, originally scheduled to take place in June 2026, has been rescheduled to 19th - 25th July 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. This decision has been made to ensure the safety and convenience of all participants and facilitators. AERC is also pleased to announce that the participant selection process has now been completed. Following a highly competitive review of applications received from across the continent, 25 participants, including 12 women, from 24 African countries have been selected to take part in the workshop. The selected cohort comprises teaching faculty and early-career researchers representing diverse academic institutions and backgrounds, reflecting AERC's commitment to excellence, regional representation, and gender inclusion in research capacity development. Aercafrica extend its sincere appreciation to all applicants who expressed interest in the workshop. The quality of applications received was exceptionally high, making the selection process highly competitive. While Aercafrica regret that it was not possible to accommodate all qualified applicants, Aercafrica encourage those who were not selected to remain engaged with AERC and AIR and to apply for future capacity-building opportunities. Successful applicants will receive individual notification by 20 June 2026, together with detailed information on travel arrangements, accommodation, workshop logistics, and preparatory requirements. Applicants who do not receive communication from AERC by this date should consider their applications unsuccessful on this occasion. Aercafrica look forward to welcoming the selected participants to Nairobi in July 2026 for what promises to be an engaging and impactful learning experience. Dr. Abbi Kedir, Ag. Executive Director, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Nairobi, Kenya.
American Institutes for Research and the U.S. National Science Foundation launch a new Center Supporting STEM Education Research and practice. Arlington, Va. - The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has launched the Center for STEM Education Research and Translation, a national resource designed to support the development and use of research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) among PreK-12 STEM education communities. Led by AIR, the Center also partners with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the University of South Carolina (USC). Together, the organizations will support NSF-funded STEM education researchers and the broader communities engaged in PreK-12 STEM education by: * Identifying and sharing promising research findings to encourage progress toward effective practice and the advancement of science; * Supporting communication and collaboration among current, former, and prospective NSF PreK-12 STEM education researchers; and * Increasing awareness of NSF-funded PreK-12 STEM education research and its contributions to the field. "The Center will bring together researchers and practitioners to ensure that PreK-12 STEM education research progresses to inform effective practice" said Gurjeet (Sonica) Dhillon, AIR senior researcher and principal investigator of the Center. "Our goal is to support a meaningful exchange of information, evidence, and ideas that advances STEM education teaching and learning nationwide." Activities will support national priorities related to the responsible movement of scientific knowledge between and among research and educational practice communities. The Center will provide technical support, host learning opportunities, and disseminate resources that highlight NSF-funded research. About AIR Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research(R)(AIR(R) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and the workforce. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.air.org. About the National Science Foundation The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments, and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year budget of $8.75 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities, and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts. About SREB The Southern Regional Education Board works with states, districts and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. An interstate compact and a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Atlanta, SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislators to advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region. University of South Carolina The University of South Carolina is a globally recognized, high-impact research university committed to a superior student experience and dedicated to innovation in learning, research and community engagement. Founded in 1801, the university is a top-tier Carnegie Foundation research institution offering more than 350 academic degree programs, including distinguished programs in engineering, law, medicine, nursing, public health and the arts. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of 20 locations throughout the state, including the research campus in Columbia. With the nation's top first-year experience among public universities, best public honors college and 60 nationally ranked academic programs - including top-ranked programs in international business - the university is helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and around the world. Media Contact Managing Director, Corporate Communications +1.202.403.6347
Richard Jacik joins the American Institutes for Research as chief technology officer. Richard Jacik Richard Jacik, an expert in systems architecture and digital transformation, has joined the American Institutes for Research (AIR) as chief technology officer to lead the continuous improvement of AIR's technology infrastructure and data systems. "To effectively and efficiently serve our clients and communities, AIR must be able to fully leverage the power of technology and maximize the potential of our internal and external systems," said Jessica Heppen, AIR president and CEO. "Richard comes to AIR with a wealth of experience in helping public- and private-sector clients transform their digital infrastructure to ensure it best meets the needs of those that they serve." Before joining AIR, Jacik was chief digital officer for Brillient, where he helped lead digital transformation efforts for federal government agencies and commercial clients. He has worked in information technology (IT) and the digital space for more than 25 years and has deep expertise in designing, building, and managing complex IT programs. He has worked with multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. In his new role, Jacik oversees AIR's internal information technology and corporate business systems, as well as technology solutions for the organization's external clients, including federal and state agencies, philanthropies and non-profit organizations, and business and industry. He is a member of AIR's Executive Leadership Team. "Applying artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to improve access to information, services, and resources supports the only objective worth pursuing - helping people live better lives," said Jacik, who joined AIR on Oct. 20. "I am inspired by AIR's mission and look forward to collaborating with their incredible team to find solutions for our staff, our clients, and everyone that our work touches." Jacik received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and computer science from Kent State University and a master's in computer science and graduate certificate in software engineering from George Mason University (GMU). Earlier this year, Jacik was inaugurated into the GMU College of Engineering and Computing Academy of Excellence, which honors those who have made considerable contributions to the field of engineering or computing throughout their careers. He is also Industry Chair of GMU's AI-in-Gov Council and chair of the university's Computer Science External Advisory Board. About AIR Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of education, health, and the workforce. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.air.org.