ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Background Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brown University

Research Associate

Providence, RI · On-site

The position will play a supporting role in conducting background research on a wide range of topics, as well as analyzing a variety of labor market datasets. This position requires a strong ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$19 - $26/hr

Literature review and background research as needed * Assisting with data organization, documentation, and research protocols * Contributing to lab meetings and presenting work-in-progress as ...

Sun King

Support preparation for high-level meetings with governments, MDBs/DFIs, and development partners through background research and talking points. * Contribute to the development of evidence-based ...

Sun King

Support preparation for high-level meetings with governments, MDBs/DFIs, and development partners through background research and talking points. * Contribute to the development of evidence-based ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackground Research Jobs

Background Research information

See salary details

$10

$32

$58

How much do background research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for background research in the United States is $32.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $51.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is background research?

Background research is the process of gathering and analyzing information about a topic, person, organization, or event before beginning a project, investigation, or decision-making process. It helps provide context, verify facts, and uncover relevant details that may influence the outcome of the main task. This type of research is commonly used in academic, business, legal, and journalistic settings to ensure accuracy and informed decision-making.

What is the difference between Background Research vs Market Research?

AspectBackground ResearchMarket Research
PurposeGathering information about a person, organization, or topic to understand its history, credentials, or context.Analyzing market trends, customer needs, and industry data to inform business decisions.
CredentialsOften requires research skills, data analysis, and familiarity with sources like databases and public records.Requires skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and understanding of market dynamics.
Work EnvironmentTypically conducted in research or investigative settings, often desk-based.Usually performed in marketing, consulting, or business strategy environments.
UsageUsed by HR, investigators, or professionals verifying backgrounds.Used by marketing teams, business analysts, and product managers.

Background Research focuses on collecting detailed information about individuals or entities, while Market Research analyzes industry data to guide business strategies. Both require analytical skills but serve different objectives within their respective fields.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in background research roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in background research often encounter challenges such as verifying the accuracy of information, managing large volumes of data, and meeting tight deadlines. To address these challenges, it's essential to develop strong organizational skills and become proficient with research tools and databases. Clear communication with team members and stakeholders also helps ensure that research findings are relevant and properly integrated into larger projects. Regularly updating your knowledge of best practices and emerging resources in the field will also support your effectiveness in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in research methodologies, typically supported by a degree in a relevant field such as social sciences or journalism. Familiarity with online databases, public records, and research tools like LexisNexis or Factiva is commonly required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and discretion are valuable soft skills that help in delivering reliable and confidential findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing accurate, thorough, and actionable research that informs decision-making processes.
More about Background Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Background Research jobs? Cities with the most Background Research job openings:
What states have the most Background Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Background Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Background Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Background Research jobs are:
Background Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,543 per year, or $33 per hour.

Research Analyst - Precision Analytics

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary:
The University of Chicago is dedicated to transforming mental health through innovative research and care. The Research Analyst will contribute to research and evaluation projects by conducting data analysis and literature reviews, supporting the translation of analytics into research products and publications.
Responsibilities:
• Conduct research and evaluation activities in collaboration with the Precision Analytics team.
• Analyze data and synthesize findings for reports, presentations, and publications.
• Contribute to literature reviews and background research to support ongoing projects.
• Assist with writing research briefs, manuscripts, and dissemination products.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to integrate research into practice.
• Support cross-team projects that require research input or analysis.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• Performs other related work as needed.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
Preferred:
• Advanced degree.
• Experience conducting applied research or evaluation.
• Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, Stata).
• Strong writing skills for research and publication purposes.
• Ability to synthesize findings and communicate them to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with program evaluation methods and evidence-based practice.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Company:
University of Chicago is a world-renowned, private research university located in Chicago. Founded in 1890, the company is headquartered in Chicago, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What University Of Chicago employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply