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Computational Social Science Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Computational Social Science information

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How much do computational social science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for computational social science in Texas is $51.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.65 and $68.51 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.
Infographic showing various Computational Social Science job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,441 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Social Science/Humanities Research Associate I.

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Job Posting Title:
Social Science/Humanities Research Associate I.
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Hiring Department:
College of Liberal Arts
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until May 31, 2028
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
Lori Holt, a Professor of Psychology at UT-Austin and Principal Investigator of the project, is seeking a Research Associate to assist with laboratory management and coordination of studies. The Research Associate will collaborate with team members and work closely with Professor Holt to coordinate day-to-day lab operations and research. Data collection occurs online and in person.
This is a 2 year fixed-position.
Purpose
The primary research in the lab focuses on understanding the cognitive and neural bases of auditory processing, especially as it relates to speech, among adult participants. Under the direction of Professor Holt, the candidate will work on federally funded research to uncover the basis of listening behavior. Current projects focus on learning, selective attention, natural communication, and psychophysics. Laboratory studies include collecting multimodal behavioral data, eye tracking, computational modeling, and electroencephalography data.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will vary day-to-day depending on the needs of the laboratory, for example:
  • Assisting the PI with training laboratory members and maintaining lab documentation.
  • Assisting with new experiment set-ups (hardware and software).
  • Collecting in-person data.
  • Summarizing data with supervision.
  • Drafting and editing research reports, with supervision.
  • Coordinating Laboratory meetings.
  • Searching and summarizing the literature.
  • Assisting with grant reporting, ethics approvals, financial reconciliation, and laboratory record keeping.
  • Coordinating, training and working with undergraduate research assistants.
  • Lending research support to laboratory team members.
  • Performs related duties as needed to advance the research project.

Required Qualifications
  • BA or BS in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or related field
  • Fluency in speaking and writing in English
  • Flexibility and an ability to learn quickly
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Strong initiative in consistently and creatively meeting project goals
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a scientific team
  • Curiosity and a willingness to learn new skills independently
  • Accuracy and attention to detail and high levels of organization

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior research experience
  • Coding experience (Python, R, Matlab, e.g.)
  • Statistics training
  • Previous exposure to auditory cognitive neuroscience or a strong interest in perception, learning, cognition, or related fields

Salary Range
$40,000 annually
Working Conditions
The position will involve working in standard office environment, with the potential for repetitive use of keyboard at a workstation
Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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