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Data Science Research Assistant information

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$9

$23

$34

How much do data science research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for data science research assistant in Goleta, CA is $23.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a data science research assistant do?

A Data Science Research Assistant supports research projects by gathering, cleaning, and analyzing data using statistical and computational techniques. They assist senior researchers with designing experiments, developing models, and interpreting results. Typical tasks include data preprocessing, coding in languages like Python or R, literature reviews, and creating visualizations to summarize findings. Their work helps advance scientific knowledge and inform decision-making based on data-driven insights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data science research assistant?

To thrive as a Data Science Research Assistant, you need a strong background in statistics, machine learning, and programming (often with a degree in computer science, statistics, or related fields). Familiarity with tools such as Python, R, Jupyter Notebooks, and data visualization libraries as well as experience with version control systems like Git is typical, and coursework or certifications in data science can be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills are essential to effectively analyze data, interpret results, and collaborate with research teams. These skills and qualities are critical for producing reliable insights, supporting research objectives, and ensuring the integrity of data-driven projects.

How does a data science research assistant typically collaborate with other team members during a research project?

Data Science Research Assistants frequently work alongside data scientists, research leads, and subject matter experts to support ongoing research. Their responsibilities often include cleaning and preprocessing data, performing exploratory analyses, and implementing models. Regular collaboration occurs through team meetings, code reviews, and sharing findings, ensuring alignment with project goals. Open communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities and datasets can shift based on project needs.

What is the difference between Data Science Research Assistant vs Data Analyst?

AspectData Science Research AssistantData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Data Analysis, Statistics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or research-focused organizationsBusiness settings, corporate offices, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, marketing firms, finance, healthcare
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Data Science Research Assistants typically focus on supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and modeling in academic or research settings. Data Analysts primarily interpret data to help organizations make business decisions. While both roles require strong analytical skills and knowledge of data tools, the research assistant role emphasizes academic research and experimentation, whereas data analysts focus on business insights and reporting.

What job categories do people searching Data Science Research Assistant jobs in Goleta, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Science Research Assistant jobs in Goleta, CA are:

What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Data Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Data Science Research Assistant job openings:

Data Science Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Science Research Assistant job openings in Goleta, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,170 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial & Energy Policy Research) - 2035 Initiative, Institute fo

University of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

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Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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Job description

Position description
Through the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency, the 2035 Initiative is seeking an Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research) who will work closely with Principal Investigators, researchers, and the 2035 Initiative's Director on domestic and international projects. The 2035 Initiative brings together engineers and social scientists to clean up our energy systems and address the climate crisis. We use cutting-edge empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet. We are looking for a mission-driven Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research with deep expertise in energy and climate policy research, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to work effectively across engineering and social science teams. The Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research will serve as a key intellectual contributor and operational anchor for the Initiative's research portfolio-leading and managing projects from inception through publication, coordinating across internal and external collaborators, and helping translate empirical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Manage a portfolio of technical and policy research projects end-to-end, including scoping, milestone planning, coordination across research teams, and delivery of final products on time and to a high standard
  • Lead and co-author policy research reports, working papers, and memos on topics including industrial decarbonization, clean energy policy, and regulatory strategy, translating complex empirical findings for policy and public audiences
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams composed of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students, providing direction, feedback, and day-to-day oversight
  • Contribute substantively to technical and policy analyses, including collecting and processing energy, political, and regulatory data at the global, national, and state levels
  • Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research, including survey research, to assess the policy landscape and public or stakeholder attitudes on climate and energy issues
  • Provide statistical analysis and coding support for Initiative research projects, primarily in R and/or Python
  • Collaborate with engineering and social science research teams to ensure technical analysis is policy-relevant and that findings are communicated clearly to non-technical audiences
  • Present research findings to government clients, policy audiences, and partner organizations
  • Engage with external stakeholders, policy advocates, and partner organizations as relevant to ongoing research projects
  • Broadly lend support to the Initiative team where needed and tackle special projects where appropriate

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, economics, environmental science, environmental studies, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in political science, public policy,
environmental policy, or a related social science or environmental
field
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-component research projects involving multiple collaborators, timelines, and deliverables
  • Substantial experience contributing to and leading policy research on climate, energy, or environmental topics, including authorship of published reports or peer-reviewed work
  • Experience coordinating and providing direction to teams of researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students
  • Proficiency in statistical programming (R and/or Python) for data analysis and visualization
  • Knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies and policy pathways, including clean heat, electrification, and emerging energy technologies
  • Knowledge of U.S. and international clean energy policy landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and political dynamics
  • Experience designing and analyzing survey or other empirical research to assess attitudes or behavior related to energy or climate policy
  • Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously with rigor, speed, and attention to detail
  • Strong written communication skills, with experience producing policy memos, public-facing reports, and similar content
  • Experience presenting research findings to government, policy, or public audiences
  • Experience engaging with external partners, advocates, or stakeholders in a research or policy context

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing Sample - A policy report, working paper, or published article of which you are the lead or sole author

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for at least 2 references. In the event the applicant is selected as the finalist, the committee may contact the references before making their final selection.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03117
Help contact: madeleineforrest@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, California

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