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Social Science Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title: Social Science Research Lead Position Overview: BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This ...

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title:  Social Science Research Lead Position Overview: BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This ...

ICF

Research Associate, Social Marketing

Reston, VA

Support data analysis (e.g., code text using software such as NVivo or MaxQDA). * Assist with ... Bachelor's degree in public health, the social sciences, marketing or a related field * 5+ years of ...

Hatalom

Research Assistant - MCU/CDET

Quantico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Research Assistant Marine Corps University (MCU) / College of Distance Education and Training (CDET ... Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Business, Statistics, Public Administration ...

Hatalom

Research Assistant - MCU/CDET

Quantico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Research Assistant Marine Corps University (MCU) / College of Distance Education and Training (CDET ... Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Business, Statistics, Public Administration ...

Hatalom

Research Assistant - MCU/CDET

Quantico, VA

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Research Assistant Marine Corps University (MCU) / College of Distance Education and Training (CDET ... Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Business, Statistics, Public Administration ...

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All JobsSocial Science Research JobsSocial Science Research Assistant JobsSocial Science Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Social Science Research Assistant information

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$13

$23

$30

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

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for social science research assistant in Virginia is $23.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $29.23 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 Virginia?

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

What are popular job titles related to Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Virginia?

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

What job categories do people searching Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Social Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,993 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Social Science Research Lead

BLN24

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title:Social Science Research Lead
Position Overview:
BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This position provides subject matter expertise, scientific leadership, and programmatic support for social, behavioral, and economic sciences (SBES) research that advances NOAA's ability to understand, communicate, and respond to weather, climate, water, and societal challenges. Working closely with NOAA leadership, researchers, Cooperative Institutes, Federal agencies, and academic partners, this individual will strengthen the integration of social science research into NOAA programs, decision support capabilities, and research-to-operations initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and support SBES research initiatives, portfolio management, and evaluation of funding programs, cooperative agreements, and scientific partnerships that inform NOAA programs, services, and decision support capabilities.
  • Apply qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches to conduct stakeholder analyses, literature reviews, research syntheses, and program evaluations that identify emerging priorities, research gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Support research-to-operations (R2O) and transition-to-operations (T2O) initiatives by integrating social science findings into operational programs, ensuring compliance with IRB, PRA, and research governance requirements.
  • Coordinate scientific workshops, conferences, stakeholder engagements, and interagency collaborations, and prepare technical reports, white papers, briefing materials, presentations, and stakeholder-facing products to communicate research findings and program outcomes.
  • Support compliance activities related to Institutional Review Boards (IRB), Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), and other research governance requirements.
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences, professional society meetings, workshops, and stakeholder forums while contributing to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Science, Behavioral Science, Economics, Public Policy, Communications, Geography, Psychology, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred, PhD highly desirable.
  • Minimum six (6) years of experience conducting, supporting, evaluating, or leading social science, behavioral science, economic, or interdisciplinary research initiatives.
  • Working knowledge of SBES research principles, methodologies, and applications, including experience designing or evaluating qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.
  • Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and stakeholder-facing deliverables, and supporting stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, or cross-organizational initiatives.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required NOAA facility, security, and IT access.
What BLN24 brings to the Game:
BLN24 benefits are game changing. We like our team to play hard and that means they need to be taken care of - physically, financially, and emotionally. We make sure to keep them in the game by giving them access to generous medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • You can join one of the fastest growing companies headquartered in the Washington DC Metro Area. We give you the opportunity to work in different sectors, so you have the chance at variety while maintaining stability.
  • Flexibility at BLN24 allows each individual the opportunity to balance quality work and their personal lives. Depending on projects, we allow remote working opportunities so you can always be in the game no matter where you call home.
BLN24 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe people are our strength and understand diverse talents are key to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

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