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Political Science Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Detroit, MI · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Research Assistant Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant at its ... Bachelor's Degree in any area of social science research (including political science, anthropology ...

Job Title Research Assistant Agency Texas A&M University Department Public Policy Research ... Political Science, Public Health, Economics, or Education. A well-qualified candidate may also ...

Position Information Position Title Assistant Professor of Political Science Job Summary The ... Demonstrated potential for scholarly research and publication Physical Demands FLSA Exempt Status ...

$2K/wk

Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Lecturers, Political Science Department Political ... Recently, Rutgers-Camden earned Carnegie classification as an R2 research university due to a high ...

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Political Science Research Assistant information

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

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for political science research assistant in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily duties of a Political Science Research Assistant?

As a Political Science Research Assistant, your daily tasks may include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, summarizing academic articles, assisting in survey design, and writing research reports or memos. You might also help prepare presentations or publications, fact-check information, and manage reference lists using citation software. The role often involves collaborating closely with professors, senior researchers, or policy analysts, and contributing to both independent and team-based research projects. This diversity of responsibilities provides valuable experience and exposure to the full research process within political science.

What does a Political Science Research Assistant do?

A Political Science Research Assistant helps professors or researchers collect, analyze, and interpret data related to political systems, policies, and public opinion. Responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, compiling statistical data, summarizing key findings, and assisting with reports or academic papers. They may also help prepare presentations, fact-check information, and manage databases. The role provides valuable experience in research methodologies and can serve as a foundation for careers in academia, government, or policy analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Political Science Research Assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Science Research Assistant, you need a solid background in research methods, data analysis, academic writing, and typically a bachelor’s or advanced coursework in political science or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), online databases, and citation management tools is often required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and clear communication help distinguish top candidates in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate, insightful research that supports faculty, policy analysts, or research teams effectively.

More about Political Science Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Political Science Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Political Science Research Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Political Science Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Political Science Research Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Political Science Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,571 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

$21.36 - $24.04/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary
The Federal Judicial Center (Center) is the federal courts' agency for research and continuing education. Congress established the Center in 1967 as a separate organization within the federal judicial system at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States. A nine-member board, chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States, determines its basic policies.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Research Division undertakes empirical research related to the operation of the federal courts, often at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States and its committees, specific courts, or other groups in the federal court system.
The primary duties and responsibilities of the graduate student research assistant are to provide support to Research Division project teams in the design and conduct of social science research aimed at discovering innovative or improved approaches to the judicial administration in federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. Specific duties and responsibilities, generally exercised under the guidance of a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate, may include support with:
  • Conducting literature reviews;
  • Organizing, coding, and analyzing data;
  • Creating and documenting datasets;
  • Creating tables and graphs to present research findings;
  • Developing research instruments such as interview protocols, questionnaires, and coding protocols;
  • Writing and administering online surveys; and
  • Writing reports of research findings.

The Federal Judicial Center offers a range of telework and flexible work schedule options based on the employee's position categorization. The Graduate Student Research Assistant position is a remote-eligible position and will not require relocation.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
  • Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
  • Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation.
  • Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity.
  • All requirements must be met for full consideration.

The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.
Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled and seeking a graduate degree in a social or behavioral science discipline such as psychology, sociology, or political science at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis;
  • Experience working in a research environment either as a paid employee, intern, or volunteer, or as part of a graduate school program;
  • Knowledge of statistical programs such as SAS, SPSS, STATA, and R;
  • Knowledge of database management programs such as Excel, Access, or FileMaker;
  • Strong writing skills; and
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively.

Summer graduate student research assistants are asked to commit to at least eight weeks of employment for 30 to 39 hours per week.
Spring and fall semester graduate student research assistants are asked to commit to 12 to 15 hours per week.
Graduate student research assistants are limited to working a maximum of 39 hours per week.
Education
Currently enrolled and seeking a graduate degree in a social or behavioral science discipline such as psychology, sociology, or political science at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis.
Additional information
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
  • Graduate Students (first and second year): $21.36 per hour
  • Graduate Students (third year or completed degree): $24.04 per hour

This position is part time. Benefits are not applicable for this position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
This position is part time. Benefits are not applicable for this position.