Entry Level Social Science Research Assistant Jobs

Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
09/01/2026
Rank
CR - Research Asst Professor
Working Title
Research Scientist
Position Number
D99223
Representation
AU - AAUP
Faculty Type
Fixed Term Research/Grant
Fixed Term End Date:
06/30/2027
Position FTE
Variable between .5 and 1.0 FTE, starting at 1.0 FTE
Term of Service
12 month
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon's most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America's most dynamic cities. Our mission to "let knowledge serve the city" reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action - in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
The Population Research Center is an interdisciplinary public service, research, and training unit for population-related data and research for the State of Oregon.
Position Summary
The Research Scientist will have primary responsibility to produce population estimates and projections for Oregon's UGB areas and tribal lands wholly within the state, and county level projections by age/sex, race/ethnicity, and disability status.
Responsibilities will include:

• Selecting or developing appropriate methodologies and planning and implementing a research design commensurate to program requirements and best practices;
• Conducting surveys and direct consultations with stakeholders and data users to collect and evaluate all necessary data and contextual information;
• Documenting methodology, assumptions, and results in reports and presentations, and
• Ensuring compliance with applicable statutes (eg ORS 195.033) and standards (eg PSU 577-050).

Other responsibilities include responding to requests from the media, government, and the public about the forecast program and related activities; recruiting, supervising, or advising graduate students or postdocs, developing training materials, and obtaining and providing peer review.
Special Working Conditions: Travel may be required for certain meetings or events that are essential for the role, including stakeholder meetings. While the stakeholder meetings will generally be conducted online, there may be occasional in-person meetings where travel is necessary. Any travel requirements will be communicated in advance, and expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with PSU policies.
Primary Activity
R - Research
Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate or equivalent degree in demography, statistics, sociology, ecology, geography, economics, or a related quantitative social science discipline OR in mathematics, physics, or a quantitative natural science field with a minimum of 1 year of experience in applied social science research.
• Ability to travel for required meetings or events that are essential for the role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six or more years of progressively responsible research or evaluation experience;
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop funding for and take a lead role in high impact research or evaluation studies, of which, two or more years of experience developing population projections or related statistical modeling of human fertility, mortality, or migration.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
• Adheres to all PSU's policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be $92,148 (at 1.0 FTE), but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Review of applications will begin on August 1. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by this date. Applications received after the priority date will be reviewed on a rolling basis every two weeks. This is an on campus position. Upon completion of the training period, the supervisor may permit up to one day of remote work. The hiring manager will consider reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with the PSU Moving Reimbursement Guide.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
This position is open until filled or September 1, 2026, whichever comes first. The writing sample can be a working paper, a report, or a publication. If the sample is a collaborative paper, please include a brief explanation of your individual contribution as a co-author.
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references. References will be contacted only if you are selected as a finalist.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
No
Background Check Required
No
If you have questions
Please email the Population Research Center at askprc@pdx.edu
Search Details
Posting Close Date
Projected Close Date for Posting
Open Until Filled
Application screening begins
07/01/2026
Will you consider an ABD applicant for this position?
Yes
If yes, when must the degree be earned?
No later than the start date of the appointment
If necessary, would you be willing to sponsor the succcessful applicant for permanent US residence, now or in the future?
No