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Computational Social Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Protagonist

Computational Social Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $102K/yr

Our work lives at the intersection of data science and social science: we pair computational techniques with an understanding of the social, political, and information dynamics behind the data. This ...

University of Pennsylvania

Posted Job Title Business Development Manager - Computational Social Science Lab - Penn Engineering Job Profile Title Manager Research Project B Summary The Computational Social Science Lab (CSSLab ...

Weekday AI

STEM Researcher - Computational Fields

$60 - $90/hr

We are seeking researchers from computational STEM disciplines-as well as computationally intensive social sciences and humanities-to bring the rigor of real-world research into AI evaluation. In ...

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How much do computational social science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for computational social science in the United States is $54.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.88 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is computational social science?

Computational social science is an interdisciplinary field that uses computational methods, such as data analysis, simulations, and modeling, to study social phenomena and human behavior. It combines tools from computer science, statistics, and social sciences to analyze large-scale social data, like social media activity, online interactions, or census records. This approach helps researchers uncover patterns and trends that would be difficult or impossible to detect using traditional social science methods alone.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computational Social Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computational Social Scientist, you need a solid background in social science research methods, statistics, and programming—often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Python, R, machine learning libraries, and experience with large datasets or social network analysis software is typical. Strong analytical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and convey insights to diverse audiences. These competencies are crucial for generating impactful, data-driven insights into complex social phenomena and informing decision-making.

What is the difference between Computational Social Science vs Data Scientist?

AspectComputational Social ScienceData Scientist
Required CredentialsSocial science background, programming skillsStatistics, programming, domain knowledge
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, academia, social research firmsTech companies, finance, healthcare
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, social research organizationsCorporations, startups, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Computational Social Science focuses on analyzing social phenomena using computational methods rooted in social science theories, often within academic or research settings. Data Scientists, however, apply statistical and machine learning techniques to large datasets across various industries. While both roles require programming skills, Computational Social Science emphasizes social theory and research, whereas Data Science centers on data analysis and business insights.

What types of data sources and analytical methods are commonly used in Computational Social Science roles?

In Computational Social Science positions, professionals typically work with large and diverse datasets, including social media feeds, digital communication records, surveys, and online behavioral data. Analytical methods often involve a mix of quantitative techniques such as network analysis, machine learning, natural language processing, and agent-based modeling. Collaborative projects may require integrating insights from computer science, sociology, and statistics, making interdisciplinary teamwork a frequent part of the role. Adapting to evolving data privacy guidelines and ensuring ethical data use are also important daily considerations.
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What cities are hiring for Computational Social Science jobs? Cities with the most Computational Social Science job openings:
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Computational Social Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computational Social Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,249 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Computational Social Sciences

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The appointment will be in a social science department in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and in one or more additional units to be determined based on the candidate's expertise.
The Bloomberg Distinguished Professorships (BDP) Program, made possible through a gift from Johns Hopkins University alumnus Michael R. Bloomberg, was established in 2013 as an ambitious investment in interdisciplinary research to bridge academic disciplines and open novel fields of inquiry to address issues of critical global importance. Starting from an initial cohort of 50 individual BDP positions, the program has more than doubled in size through a faculty-led process for identifying areas of inquiry that are best pursued through new research clusters. In 2023, Johns Hopkins announced an expansion of this successful program as a signature element of the Johns Hopkins Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Institute, an interdisciplinary institute dedicated to advancing education, research, and the real-world translation of trustworthy AI and data-driven discovery.
A thematic cluster focused on the computational social sciences was selected as a recruitment area to be affiliated with the DSAI Institute. The Departments of Political Science, Sociology, and the SNF Agora Institute in collaboration with the BDP program seek established faculty candidates in computational social science. The appointment will be in a social science department in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and in one or more additional units to be determined based on the candidate's expertise. The search committee includes representatives from Political Science, Sociology and the SNF Agora Institute.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have achieved substantial impact in computational social science through the development and/or use of innovative methods to address major questions in social science. We anticipate making at least three appointments to form a cluster in computational social science. Successful candidates will be Bloomberg Distinguished Professors and will have access to significant computing and software engineering resources through Johns Hopkins' new DSAI Institute.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and research statement to Interfolio. Applications will be considered until positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed as they get submitted. For questions about Interfolio, call (887) 997-8807 or email help@interfolio.com.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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