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Social Science Research Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI

Research Assistant

Detroit, MI · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Bachelor's Degree in any area of social science research (including political science, anthropology, demography, education, geography, psychology, public health, social work, sociology, survey ...

Research Assistant Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant at its ... Background in environmental science, biological science, environmental stewardship, green ...

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Social Science Research Assistant information

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.

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 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 do social science research assistants do?

Social science research assistants support data collection, analysis, and reporting for research projects in fields like sociology, psychology, or political science. They may conduct surveys, organize data, review literature, and use statistical software such as SPSS or Stata to assist researchers in understanding social phenomena.

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 job categories do people searching Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI are:

What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Social Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Social Science Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Science Research Assistant job openings in Rochester, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$19 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Assistant
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
POSITION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES
  • Provide coordination assistance on multi-funded and/or multi-site research projects.
  • Assist project director in project planning to ensure that pre-established work scope, study protocol, and program requirements are followed.
  • Develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures for project-specific reporting.
  • Assume responsibility for coordinating crime prevention research duties for AmeriCorps members involved in the AmeriCorps Urban Safety Project (AMUS).
  • Assist in coordinating multiple crime prevention survey data collection efforts for one or more research projects - may include other collaborating agencies or institutions.
  • Represent AMUS at local AMUS events, community gatherings, workshops, and trainings (must be available nights and weekends).
  • Integrate information from multiple sources to meet the necessary requirements of funding agencies.
    Prepare regular updates to Center Director and Managing Director.

Unique duties:
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS
  • Bachelor's Degree in any area of social science research (including political science, anthropology, demography, education, geography, psychology, public health, social work, sociology, survey methodology, statistics, and urban studies) required.
  • Experience coordinating AmeriCorps members required.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with others.
  • Strong problem resolution, organizational, analytical, and communication (oral and written) skills; ability to collaborate effectively.
  • Strong diplomatic skills to present, answer questions and concerns effectively to groups.

Please submit an electronic application viathe Wayne State University Online Career Site. Please include a resume,names of references, and transcript (unofficial).
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
Generic Division
Primary department:
Center for Urban Studies
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum: 45,000
  • Salary hire maximum: 50,000
Working conditions:
Normal Office Environment
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 2
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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