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Social Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Centre for Social Research

£15.12/hr

Contact: natcenrecruitment@instant-impact.com We're NatCen , the UK's largest independent social research organisation. Our work is trusted by government, universities, and charities, and helps ...

National Centre for Social Research

£15.12/hr

Contact: natcenrecruitment@instant-impact.com We're NatCen , the UK's largest independent social research organisation. Our work is trusted by government, universities, and charities, and helps ...

National Centre for Social Research

£15.12/hr

Contact: natcenrecruitment@instant-impact.com We're NatCen , the UK's largest independent social research organisation. Our work is trusted by government, universities, and charities, and helps ...

National Centre for Social Research

£15.12/hr

Contact: natcenrecruitment@instant-impact.com We're NatCen , the UK's largest independent social research organisation. Our work is trusted by government, universities, and charities, and helps ...

National Centre for Social Research

£15.12/hr

Contact: natcenrecruitment@instant-impact.com We're NatCen , the UK's largest independent social research organisation. Our work is trusted by government, universities, and charities, and helps ...

National Centre for Social Research

£15.12/hr

Contact: natcenrecruitment@instant-impact.com We're NatCen , the UK's largest independent social research organisation. Our work is trusted by government, universities, and charities, and helps ...

Brazosport College

SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST

Lake Jackson, TX · On-site

$100K - $101K/yr

Advanced statistical methods, including sampling, correlation analysis, and forecasting as applied to educational and social research. * Quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis ...

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Social Research information

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$9

$32

$65

How much do social research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for social research in the United States is $32.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $39.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Social Research vs Social Data Analyst?

AspectSocial ResearchSocial Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Sociology, Social Sciences, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, government agenciesTech companies, marketing firms, research organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in academia, government, NGOsPrimarily in private sector, analytics firms, marketing
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research methods and data collectionCompared for data analysis skills and technical tools

Social Research focuses on designing and conducting studies to understand social phenomena, often involving qualitative and quantitative methods. Social Data Analysts interpret large datasets to extract insights, using statistical tools and programming. While both roles analyze social data, Social Research emphasizes study design and theory, whereas Social Data Analysis centers on data processing and technical analysis.

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

To thrive as a Social Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, statistical knowledge, and a background in social sciences, often supported by a relevant degree such as sociology or psychology. Familiarity with data analysis software like SPSS, NVivo, or R, as well as experience in survey design and qualitative research methods, is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for interpreting findings and presenting results effectively. These skills ensure accurate, ethical research that can inform policies, programs, and decision-making in various sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by social researchers when conducting fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Social researchers often encounter challenges such as gaining access to participants, ensuring ethical standards are met, and managing biases during fieldwork. Building trust with communities and clearly communicating the purpose of the research can help improve participation rates. It's also important to follow established ethical guidelines, obtain informed consent, and regularly reflect on one's own assumptions to minimize bias. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams can provide additional perspectives and support, making it easier to navigate complex social environments.

What is social research?

Social research is the process of investigating and analyzing social phenomena, behaviors, and structures to understand how societies function and change. It uses systematic methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and statistical analysis, to gather and interpret data about people, groups, and cultures. Social researchers aim to provide insights that can inform policies, improve communities, and advance knowledge about social issues.
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What cities are hiring for Social Research jobs? Cities with the most Social Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Research jobs? The most popular types of Social Research jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Social Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Social Research jobs are:
Social Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,632 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
CID - NSF Research Fellow

CID - NSF Research Fellow

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics (CID) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. CID is a multidisciplinary research center that carries out cutting-edge substantive and methodological research on social and economic inequality and helps expand the scientific data infrastructure available to support the study of this topic. CID is housed at the Institute for Social Research, (ISR), one of the world's largest social science research organizations. https://www.inequalitydynamics.umich.edu/
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PRF) will be a central contributor to an NSF-funded project on positional inequality under the supervision of Principal Investigators (PIs) Profs. Fabian Pfeffer and Ethan Fosse. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be a vital contributor to various aspects of this project.
The primary function of the PRF is to conduct in-depth literature reviews on the emerging field of what we term "positional sociology," which lies at the intersection of the literatures on social stratification, analytical sociology, and social theory. Substantive topics examined include studies of socioeconomic mobility, marital heterogamy, status inconsistency, and social deviance. This project will primarily involve writing detailed documents summarizing key research findings, theoretical advances, and analytical tools related to positional sociology. The PRF will be expected to synthesize complex ideas and concepts from multiple sources into concise and clearly written memos that will serve as the basis for further project development.
The PRF will be given dedicated time to pursue their own scholarly projects as well as an affiliation with CID. The affiliation with CID will not only provide the possibility of an enriching atmosphere for the PRF's independent and collaborative research, but will also position them within a network of distinguished scholars and professionals in the field.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the project's PIs and in close collaboration with the PIs and other team members, the PRF's main responsibilities will be the following:
  • Conducting comprehensive literature reviews related to the project using Zotero and/or related citation software
  • Drafting memos on theoretical and analytical topics related to social positions, including literature on social stratification, analytical sociology, and sociological theory
  • Drafting memos on substantive topics, including socioeconomic mobility, martial heterogamy, status inconsistency, and social deviance
  • Assisting in the writing of a theory-oriented manuscript on positional inequality

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. degree in Sociology (awarded by the position's start date)
  • Demonstrated success in designing and completing ambitious academic research projects
  • Broad exposure to and contributions to sociological theory
  • Experience with Zotero and/or related citation software as well as structured literature reviews
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills with excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Expertise in social inequality, including its theoretical aspects
  • Previously conducted research related to one or more of the following substantive topics: socioeconomic mobility, marital heterogamy, status inconsistency, and social deviance
  • Ability to interpret quantitative results in sociology and related fields
  • Experience using Zoom and/or other video communication platforms

Application Instructions
To be considered for this position, applicants should submit the following materials: a cover letter, CV, two examples of scholarly work, and contact information for three references who can supply a letter of recommendation. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed or filled. All application materials must be submitted via Interfolio.
All general inquiries and questions about the position can be submitted to Fabian Pfeffer, fpfeffer@umich.edu, and Ethan Fosse, ethan.fosse@utoronto.ca.
The anticipated start date is October 1, 2023 but an earlier or later start date is a possibility. The appointment is for one year with a potential half-year extension contingent upon performance and funding.
Work Locations
This position may be eligible for hybrid remote and/or flexible work opportunities made available within our overall Center policies.
Additional Information
The salary range is $55,000-60,000 plus benefits and travel funds.
The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience of the candidate.

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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