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Investigative Research Specialist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Investigative Research Specialist Indianapolis, IN 1 year Contract Description: Civilian position who will review complaints, collect investigative info., eval., collate, analyze & disseminate to the ...

Four Pillars

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Investigative Research Specialist

Boise, ID · On-site

$20/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Research Investigator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting thorough investigations, gathering and analyzing data, and ...

Fortive

Cost Researcher

This is not a passive data-entry role; it is a role designed for an investigative researcher who enjoys "de-bottlenecking" complex pricing structures. You will be responsible for obtaining, verifying ...

Fortive

Cost Researcher

Greenville, SC · Remote

This is not a passive data-entry role; it is a role designed for an investigative researcher who enjoys "de-bottlenecking" complex pricing structures. You will be responsible for obtaining, verifying ...

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How much do investigative researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigative researcher in the United States is $56,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a background in research methods, often supported by a relevant degree in journalism, criminology, or social sciences. Familiarity with data analysis tools, online databases, public records systems, and sometimes certifications in investigative techniques are typical requirements. Exceptional written and verbal communication, persistence, and ethical integrity set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for uncovering accurate, reliable information and presenting findings clearly and responsibly.

What are some common challenges faced by Investigative Researchers when gathering and verifying information?

Investigative Researchers often encounter challenges such as accessing reliable sources, dealing with incomplete or conflicting information, and ensuring data accuracy under tight deadlines. Navigating privacy laws and ethical considerations can also be complex, especially when handling sensitive topics. Successful researchers develop strong critical thinking skills, persistence, and effective networking abilities to overcome these obstacles and deliver credible, well-substantiated findings.

What does an investigative researcher do?

An investigative researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and verifying information to uncover facts, often for media organizations, legal cases, or private investigations. Their work typically involves conducting interviews, searching public records, analyzing data, and compiling detailed reports on their findings. Investigative researchers may focus on topics such as fraud, corruption, or background checks and must ensure accuracy and ethical standards in their work. They often collaborate with journalists, attorneys, or organizations to support investigations and contribute to decision-making processes.

What is an investigative researcher?

An investigative researcher is a professional who gathers, analyzes, and verifies information to uncover facts related to specific cases or topics. They often use tools like public records, interviews, and online databases, and may work in fields such as journalism, private investigation, or security analysis.

What is the difference between Investigative Researcher vs Forensic Analyst?

AspectInvestigative ResearcherForensic Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in criminal justice, research, or related fieldDegree in forensic science, criminal justice, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, government agencies, private investigation firmsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in investigative agencies, private firms, intelligencePrimarily in law enforcement, forensic labs, legal cases
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in investigationsUnderstanding forensic analysis in criminal cases

Investigative Researchers focus on gathering and analyzing information for investigations, often working in research or intelligence settings. Forensic Analysts specialize in analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes in labs. While both roles support criminal investigations, Investigative Researchers emphasize information collection, whereas Forensic Analysts focus on scientific evidence analysis.

More about Investigative Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Investigative Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Investigative Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Investigative Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Investigative Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative Researcher jobs include:
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Investigative Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,057 per year, or $27 per hour.

Investigative Research Specialist

Techmorgonite Software Solutions LLC

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Investigative Research Specialist
Duration: 12+ Months
Location: Indianapolis, IN (ONSITE)
 
 
 
Civilian position who will review complaints, collect investigative info., eval., collate, analyze & disseminate to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigative section & other OIG personnel in support of investigations and other projects.
 
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Investigative Research Specialist will review complaints, collect investigative information, evaluate, collate, analyze, and disseminate findings to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigative section and other OIG personnel in support of investigations and other approved projects. The Research Specialist will work primarily to support the OIG investigative section with highly complex investigations, assisting with the accomplishment of objectives within all phases of the investigation cycle: planning, executing, reporting and prosecution. This initial duration for this role will be 12-months, but may be extended or converted to a permanent role if adequate funding is obtained.
 
SUPERVISION
The Investigative Research Specialist will be supervised by the OIG Director of Investigations. 
(The Investigative Research Specialist does not have any supervisory responsibilities).  
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
 Receives complaints and assesses for initial documentation to be requested from other agencies, reviewing with the Director of Investigations and assigned Special Agent and Attorney.
 
 Receives inquiries, requests for information, and requests for assistance from OIG personnel; reviews, enters and updates submissions; researches the data systems and disseminates requests for information in accordance with established policies and procedures. Queries databases for information parameters, retrieves pertinent data in appropriate output format and disseminates for use in OIG criminal and ethics investigative activities.
 
 Conducts a wide range of analysis in database information and produces analytical products that assist in detecting and identifying suspects modus operandi, potential criminal or ethics violations; and provides statistical data for use in planning the most effective use of investigative resources.
 
 Prepares written and oral reports from information received from various investigative agencies or outside sources for distribution to OIG investigators and other personnel. Combines all related information that has a bearing on a particular criminal or ethical violation or suspect. Analyzes data extracted from these sources in detail to further the goals of the OIG.
 
 Ensures that necessary corrections and/or additions are provided if content or substance is deemed deficient. Monitors the acquisition, maintenance, and release of criminal intelligence information, also responsible for periodic training sessions on the criminal intelligence program and related topics. Reads local, technical, and other publications, and identifies and disseminates information of interest to OIG personnel.
 
 Maintains liaison with other law enforcement, state, and federal agencies to assist and exchange information of mutual interest within confines of policy to ensure rapport in areas of criminal investigation, crime prevention, and criminal intelligence efforts.
 
 Serves as the statistical data and validation technician for Investigations. Maintains and updates all data required for statistical analysis of crime and ethics investigative case activity.
 
 Ensures the source of documents and case files are established and maintained on each applicable database.  The information in the file’s updates and purges information periodically to ensure all OIG information is current and useful for law enforcement purposes. Advises the Director of Investigations on all issues relating to these matters. 
 
 Adheres to and complies with the OIG and SPD Policy and Procedure Manuals.
 
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
 This position is considered essential to support the OIG Investigative Division to complete its priorities, projects, and missions.
 
 Subject to law enforcement sensitive material.
 
 Use skills in operating computer and related software applications with a primary focus on Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Social Media platforms, etc.
 
 Use technology and software to collect and preserve digital data and evidence from electronic equipment.
 
 Able to take large amounts of information and create visual documents for presentations or legal proceedings EX: Link Diagrams, Flow Charts, Map Diagrams, and overlays
 
 May participate in other department operations as deemed necessary.
 
 Perform other duties as assigned.
 
 
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION
 
 A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law, or a related field is preferred, but extensive three plus (3+) years on-the-job experience in law enforcement, intelligence, communication center, legal office, or investigations will be considered as a substitution for the educational requirement.
 
 If served in the military, has received an honorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the U.S.
 
 No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions. 
 
 Successfully pass a new hire background investigation.
 
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 
KNOWLEDGE IN:
 Analytical skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. 
 
 Software tools and databases and have excellent research and report writing skills. 
 
 The principles, concepts, methodologies and techniques of investigative analysis and skill to apply this knowledge to a variety of difficult and complex work assignments.
 
 The methods and techniques of fact-finding, analysis and skill application to identify problems and develop a plan of action to resolve causes and deficiencies.
 
 Sources of information and the methods and techniques used to extract, analyze, and target useful investigative data.
 
SKILL IN:
 
 Oral communications to establish and maintain work relationships with other law enforcement and government agencies.
 
 The use and operations of different Social Media platforms
 
 Computers and relevant software applications to include knowledge of Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, creating organized charts or graphs, and capacity to adapt to and learn new software programs quickly.
 
 Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, while encouraging others to express their ideas and opinions.
 
 Providing input into identifying and solving problems.
 
 
ABILITY TO:
 
 Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including other Federal, State and Local investigative agencies.
 
 Anticipate need for information on related job functions and provide it in a timely manner.
 
 Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations related to th