Principal Researcher, Value-Based Specialty Care

American Institutes for Research

Principal Researcher leading value-based specialty care projects for CMS at American Institutes for Research. Providing subject matter expertise and managing research initiatives with healthcare stakeholders.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeRemote • California, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $155,700 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 specialty care, including quality measures, payment policies, and program and model design.
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 specialty care.
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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing and conducting research or related work or Master’s degree and at least 11 years of relevant experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience leading large federal contracts.
Direct experience on prior or current CMMI alternative payment model contracts.
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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

AIR’s Total Rewards Program is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission.
Health insurance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Project ManagementResearch ManagementProposal DevelopmentQuality MeasuresPayment Policies

Soft Skills

CoachingTeam DevelopmentClient Relations