Since coming to the Rockefeller Institute in 1994, Gais has served as acting director, co-director, senior fellow, and fellow. His research focuses include:

• American federalism, particularly the implementation of national social and health initiatives by state governments
• the dynamics of state spending on social programs and relationships to changing needs
• the role of analysis and experimentation in the routine operations of government
• the comparative effectiveness of faith-based social service organizations
• performance measurement and management
• nonprofit social service organizations and their relations with governments
• campaign finance reforms and their effects
• state constitutional reforms
• interest group formation, maintenance, and strategies

Gais has taught at Barnard College, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. He received his doctorate in political science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.