Full-Time

Principal Researcher

Prescription Drug Policy

Posted on 5/11/2026

American Institutes for Research

American Institutes for Research

1,001-5,000 employees

Nonprofit research and technical assistance

Compensation Overview

$155.7k - $190k/yr

No H1B Sponsorship

Remote in USA + 5 more

More locations: Carrboro, NC, USA | Austin, TX, USA | Chicago, IL, USA | Arlington, VA, USA | Sacramento, CA, USA

Remote

Category
Consulting (2)
,
Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, Pharmacoeconomics or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research or Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience leading or managing large federal contracts.
  • Direct experience on prior or current CMMI alternative payment model contracts or CMS drug pricing programs.
  • Proven track record of winning new business with CMS, AHRQ, or other HHS agencies.
  • Extensive knowledge of Medicare payment policy, Medicare Advantage, and/or Medicaid.
  • Knowledge of Medicare claims, provider claims, survey data, and publicly available datasets, including Part D encounter data and other prescription drug event data.
  • 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.
Responsibilities
  • Leads project and task execution and business development, specifically for work conducted for CMS and the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI).
  • Directs execution of large complex projects or portfolio of smaller projects; oversees the planning, design, and implementation of project procedures.
  • Provides senior subject matter expertise related to prescription drug prescribing, pricing, and rebate programs to delivery teams and/or proposal teams.
  • Leads proposal efforts including review of proposals for sound practices and techniques, briefings, and client relation/development activities.
  • Serves as industry expert for alternative payment models, value-based reimbursement, or Medicare payment policies, especially as they relate to prescription drug policies and pricing.
  • Effectively coaches and manages others to promote their development; sets developmental goals and measurements for staff.
  • Fosters an environment that values a wide range of perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and individual strengths
American Institutes for Research

American Institutes for Research

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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

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Jacik's 25-year IT expertise boosts digital transformation.
  • Ascendium grant funds prison higher education programs.
  • AIR experts present at 2026 AERA and NCME meetings.

What critics are saying

  • Jacik's tech projects overrun budgets, losing contracts to RAND.
  • Kenya expansion halts from U.S. sanctions in 6-12 months.
  • Polarization defunds education research in 12-24 months.

What makes American Institutes for Research unique

  • Richard Jacik joined AIR as CTO on October 20, 2025.
  • Jacik leads AI integration for federal agency clients.
  • AIR opened Kenya office to expand international research.

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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

Company News

CityBiz
Nov 5th, 2025
Richard Jacik Joins the American Institutes for Research as Chief Technology Officer

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.

GlobeNewswire
May 29th, 2025
American Institutes For Research Health Experts To Present At Academyhealth Annual Research Meeting

Arlington, Va., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Experts from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) will share evidence and insights on health care research—ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) in health care administration to the use of care management services by people with Alzheimer’s disease—at the AcademyHealth 2025 Annual Research Meeting, being held June 7-10 in Minneapolis. AcademyHealth is one of the nation’s largest professional and learning organizations for health researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders. The annual research meeting gathers thousands of experts to discuss the latest evidence, methods, and insights related to health care costs, quality, and access, among other issues. AIR is one of the sponsors of this year’s annual research meeting. AIR experts will share evidence on a wide range of topics, including disparities in Medicare and Medicaid usage and outcomes; telehealth use during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; AI use in healthcare administration; and more. Additionally, Kelly Devers, vice president and deputy director of AIR’s Health Division, will participate in a “meet the expert” breakfast for AcademyHealth student members on Monday, June 9

PR Newswire
Apr 8th, 2025
Jobs For The Future Launches New $2M Fund To Provide Financial Assistance To Apprentices With Support From Google.Org

The National Apprentice Fund will directly support hundreds of apprentices in growing sectors of the economy that pay competitive wages and offer opportunities for upward career mobilityBOSTON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit transforming the U.S. workforce and education systems to drive economic success, today announced the launch of the National Apprentice Fund (NAF), a new $2 million fund to provide direct financial assistance to apprentices in Registered Apprenticeship programs to increase completion rates. With generous support from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, the National Apprentice Fund will serve 750 apprentices with a one-time award of $2,800 per apprentice to help remove financial barriers to completing programs."Jobs for the Future is honored to receive support from Google.org to help make apprenticeships more accessible to hundreds of young people," said Maria Flynn, president & CEO of Jobs for the Future. "At a time of increasing demand for high-quality pathways to jobs with opportunities for advancement, apprenticeships are a valuable solution. But to get to higher completion rates, we must address a range of challenges from financial pressures to the need for more wraparound supports."Research has shown that financial barriers are a primary reason why apprentices do not complete their apprenticeship programs. By reducing financial stresses and enabling more people to complete Registered Apprenticeships, the National Apprentice Fund aims to help build a stronger U.S

Emerson College
Dec 19th, 2024
Gellman Wins Grant to Support EPI Resources

Ascendium is partnering with the American Institutes for Research to support this initiative to identify and scale programmatic technical assistance in higher education in prison programs.

PR Newswire
Jul 9th, 2024
D2L Achievement+ Launches To Help Transform Competency-Based Education

New Add-On Package Helps Simplify the Transition to Competency-Based EducationTORONTO, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - D2L, a global learning technology company, has introduced D2L Achievement+ for Brightspace, a new add-on package that can help institutions and organizations transition to a competency-based learning model, allowing learners to advance and help master material at a pace that suits them best.Competency-based education (CBE) helps enable schools, institutions, and organizations to deliver learning experiences that can lead to practical, demonstrable outcomes and genuine skill mastery. According to a 2020 National Survey on Post Secondary Education, 82% of U.S. institutions anticipate growth in CBE programs by 2025, underscoring the increasing demand for straightforward and effective reporting—this is why D2L created Achievement+ for Brightspace.D2L Achievement+ features an intuitive interface that can help align course activities and assessments with learning outcomes. It also offers a centralized dashboard for program achievement data, simplifying accreditation reporting and can provide valuable insights for continual improvement and upskilling."As educational technology leaders, one of our primary goals is to make it easy to transform learning and deliver real impact," said John Baker, Founder & CEO of D2L. "I'm very proud of our team's work to optimize our platform to help improve outcomes for learners. The launch of Achievement+ can make it easier to progress students based upon mastery of learning materials and real outcomes