Social Science Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

POSITION TITLE: Social Science Research, Director

WHO WE ARE: As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact. We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

SUMMARY: The Director of Social Science Research is a senior leadership position within our research team, responsible for leading social science research initiatives focused on understanding and strengthening the physical sciences enterprise. Working closely with the Chief Research Officer, the Director leads a multidisciplinary team of social scientists, data scientists, survey researchers, and research analysts conducting research on higher education, workforce pathways, scientific communities, participation and opportunity, scientific societies, and the conditions that shape scientific progress.

The Director oversees a portfolio that includes longstanding longitudinal surveys, annual research agenda projects, externally funded initiatives, and strategically aligned contract research. Through this work, the Director helps generate actionable insights for AIP Member Organizations, researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and the broader scientific community.

This role offers the opportunity to steward and evolve one of the longest-running social science research programs focused on the scientific enterprise in the United States. The Director will lead a team of nine researchers, oversee a research portfolio with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.5 million, and help shape the next generation of research on the future of the physical sciences enterprise.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Research Program Leadership: Leads the social science research portfolio, including annual research agenda projects, longitudinal studies, externally funded initiatives, and strategic contract research. Oversees and evolves surveys, studies, and data assets to ensure their continued relevance and value to the physical sciences community. Identifies emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities and develops research that informs decision-making across the scientific enterprise.

Team Leadership and Operations: Leads a multidisciplinary team of approximately nine researchers, data scientists, and analysts. Oversees an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million and ensures the effective allocation of staff, contractor, and financial resources. Fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture that supports professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Research Excellence and Insight: Serves as AIP’s senior authority on social science research methodology, guiding the design and execution of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Ensures research activities are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with best practices. Produces actionable insights that support Member Organizations, researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Thought Leadership and External Engagement: Represents AIP as a visible leader in the research community through publications, presentations, webinars, reports, and other forums. Builds relationships with scientific societies, institutional leaders, funders, and external partners while advancing the visibility, relevance, and impact of AIP’s research.

Partnership Development and Portfolio Growth: Cultivates strategic partnerships with Member Organizations, collaborators, funders, and other stakeholders. Works closely with the Chief Research Officer and Grants & Development Office to pursue funding, partnership, and growth opportunities that strengthen the reach, sustainability, and long-term impact of AIP’s research portfolio.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Research Leadership

• Significant experience leading social science research projects using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Expertise in research design, survey methodology, data analysis, and communicating research findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience managing complex research portfolios with multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders.

People and Organizational Leadership

• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing research teams in a collaborative environment.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and research operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, build organizational capacity, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Thinking and Influence

Partnership and Resource Development

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or other advanced degree in sociology, education, economics, public policy, higher education, social science research, or a related field.
• Familiarity with scientific societies, nonprofit research organizations, foundations, government agencies, or other mission-driven organizations.

TO APPLY: Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 

COMPENSATION: $122,828.00 - $135,111.00

WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

ABOUT AIP: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet’s toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!