Principal Researcher, Prescription Drug Policy

American Institutes for Research

Principal Researcher leading complex CMS prescription drug policy research for American Institutes for Research. Driving federal business development and providing expertise on drug pricing models.

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 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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in Economics, Health Services Research, Pharmacoeconomics or 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 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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

AIR’s Total Rewards Program
Competitive salary

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Project ManagementResearch ManagementProposal DevelopmentData AnalysisPrescription Drug Pricing Knowledge

Soft Skills

CoachingTeam ManagementClient Relations