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$15

$25

$33

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for social science research assistant in Oregon is $25.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social science research assistant?

A social science research assistant helps a head researcher set up and carry out experiments or studies designed to gain data about a population. As a social science research assistant, your duties include recruiting subjects for the study, providing data quality control, and performing initial analysis after the study is complete. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, such as in psychology, sociology, or political science. You must have experience with research design and excellent analytical skills. Social science research assistant is an excellent job for graduate students looking to gain experience in the field.

What types of projects do social science research assistants typically work on, and how do they contribute to the research process?

Social Science Research Assistants often support a variety of projects, such as surveys, interviews, literature reviews, or data analysis in areas like psychology, sociology, or public policy. They play a key role by collecting and organizing data, preparing materials, and sometimes conducting preliminary data analysis. Their contributions are essential for ensuring that research is accurate, well-documented, and progresses on schedule. The work is usually team-based, offering regular opportunities to collaborate with lead researchers, faculty, and other assistants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social science research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Science Research Assistant, you typically need a background in social sciences, research methodology, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or NVivo), survey tools, and literature databases is important for managing and analyzing research data. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you support research projects and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and successful completion of research studies.

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

AspectSocial Science Research AssistantData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences or related field; research experienceBachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch projects, academic or government settingsBusiness, finance, or tech industries; office environment
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, consulting firms, data-driven organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research roles in social sciencesCompared for data analysis roles in various sectors

The main difference is that Social Science Research Assistants focus on supporting social science research projects, often involving data collection and analysis within academic or government settings. Data Analysts primarily interpret data to inform business decisions in corporate environments. Both roles require analytical skills and relevant degrees but differ in industry focus and daily tasks.

More about Social Science Research Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Science Research jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Social Science Research jobs in Oregon are:

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For Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in Oregon with the most Social Science Research Assistant job openings:

Social Science Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Science Research Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,186 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Faculty Research Assistant: Research Coordinator

Oregonstate

Corvallis, OR

$20 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Department:Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation SciencesSpecial Instructions to Applicants:

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:


1) A resume/CV; and


2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.


Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.


For additional information please contact:

Kelly Biedenweg

kelly.biedenweg@oregonstate.edu

206-883-5612

Job Summary:

The Department of Fisheries & Wildlife & Conservation Sciences invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

The Conservation and Human Wellbeing Lab in the Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences Department seeks an interdisciplinary social science Faculty Research Assistant to coordinate a large project looking at Socio-Cultural impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms in the Puget Sound, WA and Southern California. This is a 3-year project funded by NOAA. Applicants must reside in Corvallis, OR or the Puget Sound.

Harmful algal blooms can affect coastal communities through disruptions to fisheries, aquaculture, recreation, tourism, cultural practices, public health, and access to coastal resources. This multi-institutional project will examine how these effects are experienced and distributed across communities in Puget Sound, Washington, and the Santa Barbara Channel, California. The project combines surveys, interviews, focus groups, geospatial analysis, and analysis of digital and social-media data and will produce both peer-reviewed scholarship and practical, user-oriented resources for coastal communities and decision-makers.

Bring your research and project management skills in environmental
social science. You will:

  • Work collaboratively with three PIs based at different universitiesvto identify and implement steps for meeting project goals

  • Develop research protocols, collect data and lead data analysis inthe Puget Sound, Washington, including Hood Canal, BellinghamBay, and Quartermaster Harbor. Methods will include geospatialanalysis of existing datasets, public-beach encounter surveys, shoreline homeowner surveys and interviews, focus groups, and social media large data analyses.

  • Lead outputs of project components, including at least one peer-reviewed manuscript as well as more creative, user-focusedproducts

  • Mentor one MS student to complete independent researchprojects as part of overall project

  • Facilitate and support an advisory group to provide feedback onproject implementation and outputs

  • Act as project manager, organizing research team, providing workreports and managing project timelines and deliverables.

  • Perform other related duties consistent with the positionclassification, project objectives, and evolving research needs asidentified by the PIs in consultation with the project team.

The Human Wellbeing and Conservation Lab (https://kellybiedenweg.weebly.com) is within the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences (https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu).


The Human Wellbeing and Conservation Lab is part of the Human Dimensions lab led by three faculty with about 19 lab members including an Instructor, Research Coordinators, and graduate students. We are a highly collaborative group that values inclusivity, curiosity, and mutual support in our learning spaces. Jointly, we also run the People and Nature seminar series and student workshops. https://Peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com

FWCS is an academic unit that reports to the College of Agricultural Sciences. The Department is composed of approximately 300 staff, including academic faculty, research assistants, classified staff, graduate students, and temporary staff. Over $8 million of externally funded grants and contracts are received each year in support of science focused on basic ecological research, conservation, and sustainable use of fish and wildlife and their habitats. The Department is the largest in the College of Agricultural Sciences, with over 40 professors and 1200 students in 8 degree and certificate programs, including one Bachelor of Science degree, five graduate degrees, and two graduate certificates. We are a vibrant department that promotes a supportive atmosphere for all students and employees.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as project manager, organizing research team, providing workreports and managing project timelines and deliverables.

  • Develop research protocols, collect data and lead social-scientificdata analysis.

  • Facilitate and support an advisory group to provide feedback onproject implementation and outputs.

  • Lead outputs of project components, including at least one peer-reviewed manuscript as well as more creative, user-focused products.

  • Mentor one MS student to complete independent researchprojects as part of overall project.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in environmental social sciences (geography, planning, psychology, anthropology, environmental studies, etc.) or related fields that included social scientific research methods, analyses, and products

  • Proficiency with geospatial statistical analysis

  • Proficiency in or capacity to quickly learn quantitative and qualitative analyses with some support (regressions, topic modeling, hierarchical clustering)

  • Knowledge of best practices in social scientific research

  • Outstanding organizational and project management skills

  • Outstanding communication skills based in curiosity, self-awareness, and collaboration

  • Computing skills, including statistical software & cloud-based file sharing

  • Professional competence in coordinating and facilitating stakeholders and interdisciplinary science teams in a respectful and efficient manner

  • Demonstrated proficiency in professional writing

  • A demonstrable commitment to inclusive excellence in environmental management

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience managing a large research program with multiple researchers and sub-projects

  • Experience mentoring student researchers

  • Demonstrated proficiency in writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and/or accessible white papers, reports, and other forms of visualization to communicate the role of social science in conservation/restoration to diverse audiences

  • Experience with encounter surveys, focus groups, scientific interviewing, geographically-weighted regressions, and/or the use of AI for large data analyses (e.g., topic modeling)

Working Conditions/Schedule:Full time
Potential for hybrid
Must reside in Corvallis, OR or the Puget Sound, WA
Infrequent overnight travel for meetings, and occasional lengthier trips (up to 1 or 2 weeks) to oversee field work.Salary Range:Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.Anticipated Start Date:2026-09-07Anticipated End Date:2027-06-30

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

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