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Senior Social Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Advertising, Social Sciences, English, Journalism, or a ... Mid- to senior-level expertise in developing insight-driven social strategies that connect business ...

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Advertising, Social Sciences, English, Journalism, or a ... Mid- to senior-level expertise in developing insight-driven social strategies that connect business ...

... hair science. As we help our customers grow, we grow too -- by embracing individuality and ... About You The Senior Social Media Manager plays a key role in shaping Nutrafol's organic social ...

The primary functions of the Senior Quality Measurement Scientist (Social Scientist IV) will be to execute appropriate health research and analytical methods designed to evaluate the development ...

We're seeking a Senior Social Measurement Lead to build an effective social media measurement ... You will partner closely with social strategy, social creative, Comms, Data Science, and regional ...

We're seeking a Senior Social Measurement Lead to build an effective social media measurement ... You will partner closely with social strategy, social creative, Comms, Data Science, and regional ...

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Senior Social Scientist information

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$36.5K

$91.9K

$116.5K

How much do senior social scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior social scientist in the United States is $91,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do senior social scientists typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on research projects?

Senior Social Scientists often work closely with professionals from various fields such as data analysts, policy experts, and project managers. They contribute their expertise in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and social theory to ensure that studies are robust and contextually grounded. Effective collaboration involves regular meetings, clear communication, and integration of diverse perspectives to address complex societal issues. This multidisciplinary teamwork not only enhances research outcomes but also provides valuable learning opportunities and professional growth.

What is the difference between Senior Social Scientist vs Social Research Analyst?

AspectSenior Social ScientistSocial Research Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Social Sciences, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Social Sciences, research skills
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, academiaMarket research firms, consulting companies, NGOs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academic, government, and large organizationsCommon in market research, policy analysis, and consulting

The main difference is that Senior Social Scientists typically hold advanced degrees and lead complex research projects in academic or government settings, while Social Research Analysts often focus on data collection and analysis in market or policy research roles. Senior Social Scientists usually have more experience and responsibilities, whereas Social Research Analysts are often entry to mid-level positions.

What is a senior social scientist?

Senior Social Scientists are experienced professionals who conduct advanced research and analysis on social behaviors, trends, and issues. They often design studies, interpret data, and provide insights that help organizations understand societal patterns and inform policy or business decisions. In addition to research, Senior Social Scientists may lead teams, mentor junior staff, and collaborate across disciplines. Their work can influence areas such as public policy, education, healthcare, and corporate strategy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior social scientist, and why are they important?

A Senior Social Scientist typically requires an advanced degree in a social science field, expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and a strong publication or project track record. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), data analysis tools, and relevant certifications in research ethics are often expected. Superior soft skills include critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for designing impactful studies, generating actionable insights, and effectively guiding research initiatives.

What cities are hiring for Senior Social Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Social Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Senior Social Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Social Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Social Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,924 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Environmental Social Scientist - Keller Science Action Center

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$62K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position: Environmental Social Scientist, Chicago Region
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Keller Science Action Center
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!
The Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center translates museum science and expertise into action for conservation and quality of life. We are seeking an Environmental Social Scientist to support work in the Chicago Wilderness region, where we collaborate with a wide network of partners to advance conservation on the ground in Chicago, Kankakee County, and Northwest Indiana, with the potential to extend into other areas.
The successful candidate brings strong knowledge of regional conservation context and natural and human communities, a passion for collaborative interdisciplinary research, and a dedication to quick and tangible results. This experienced environmental social scientist will contribute to the strategy, methods and future direction of the Chicago Program, and will work with team members to develop and implement effective, collaborative approaches to community engagement in Chicago region conservation. The work integrates social science into conservation practice by building partnerships, leading community-engaged research, and advancing landscape-scale initiatives.
This position is hired on a 3-year term with potential for renewal, is based at the Field Museum in Chicago and reports to the Sr. Director of the Keller Science Action Center. The work involves regular local field work, and 10-20% of the year devoted to regional travel.
Review of candidates will begin June 8 and continue until the position is filled.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide social science expertise to Action Center conservation efforts.
  • Lead initiatives within the Chicago program.
  • Collaborate as a lead scientist in the Chicago region, including planning, fieldwork, technical reporting with the goal of establishing and sustaining conservation that benefits local communities.
  • Manage key relationships with partners and help build and sustain new partnerships with community organizations, agencies and other stakeholders that advance conservation and well-being goals.
  • Work closely with Action Center staff and partners to synthesize insights and outcomes across particular experiences and generate understanding applicable to large landscape scales and produce demonstrable results on the ground.
  • Design and conduct research and community engagement processes, including participatory action research, asset-based planning, and rapid ethnographic and qualitative methods approaches to place community knowledge, values and aspirations at the center of conservation efforts.
  • Build and sustain partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and other stakeholders
  • Support monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive learning across projects
  • Contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, and other materials for dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications that support conservation landscapes
  • Integrate social scientific expertise into the development of long-term conservation and well-being strategies in collaboration with other Action Center scientists and partners, identifying and implementing opportunities to expand programming and funding

Qualifications (Required)
  • Advanced degree in anthropology, human geography, or related social science field
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in community-based conservation, participatory action research, sustainable natural resource use with communities or related work
  • Experience working on interdisciplinary teams that blend social and natural science disciplines and methodologies
  • Experience managing projects and competent working both independently and in a team
  • Demonstrated experience building partnerships across diverse stakeholders
  • Strong facilitation, verbal communication, and writing and editing skills: able to structure ideas clearly and to communicate them in English to a range of audiences
  • Extensive knowledge of the Chicago region
  • Demonstrated experience working with communities in the Chicago region or a similar large metropolitan region where conservation occurs across an urban-rural mosaic and at corridor/landscape scales.
  • Proficiency with digital work platforms such as MS Office and Google Workspace
  • Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Experience working with Indigenous and/or historically underserved communities

Applications must include the following:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• A minimum of three professional references
Equity Commitment
The Keller Science Action Center is committed to a workforce that is diverse and inclusive and the Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Field Museum strives to create a working environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes human dignity among all staff. Realizing that good relations between co-workers are an integral part of job satisfaction, the Field Museum strives to create a climate of mutual respect among all employees.
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by Sr. Director, Keller Science Action Center
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours and Shift:
35 hours
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers' United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
Pay Range: $62,000-70,000
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.