Social Science Research Associate Jobs in Oregon

Department: The Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments
Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate, Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month

February 3, 2026; applications will be reviewed as needs arise, and continue until positions are filled

To ensure consideration, please include the following with your online application:
Current resume/CV.
Please submit a cover letter providing detailed information on your relevant experience and what your specific interests are in the areas we work in. In the cover letter please identify which type of position you are applying for: Research Assistant, Research Associate or Postdoctoral Scholar.

The Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments (IROCE) is a center for innovative, interdisciplinary research at the nexus of ecological, economic, and social sustainability. The IROCE is a thriving center for collaborative research, technical assistance, and policy education. The Institute produces information to help resolve complex problems and enable people to sustain the economies and environmental systems that support their communities. Faculty in the Institute focus on a wide variety of issues including natural resource management, land use, climate change, rural development, transportation, green building, alternative energy, natural hazards, and environmental education. The IROCE has a number of program areas, including the Ecosystem Workforce Program, Disaster-Resilient Universities network, Location Innovation Lab and several individual research initiatives .
The Ecosystem Workforce Program is an applied social science research and extension program built on the fundamental belief that ecology, economy, and governance are intimately interconnected. EWP is a joint program of the Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments at the University of Oregon and the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. This unique partnership allows Oregon's two leading universities to collectively contribute to natural resource governance that fosters prosperity and sustainability. Together, we apply scientific expertise and leadership to produce better outcomes for land and people .
The Disaster-Resilient Universities (DRU) network and programs are tools for solving that problem. DRU's goal is to promote learning, collaboration, and trust-based partnerships that help members improve strategic and operational resilience on their campuses. Specifically, DRU links higher education's skills, expertise, resources, and innovation with professional and trade organizations, businesses, and state and federal agencies. The shared goal is to strengthen overall disaster resiliency .
The Location Innovation Lab is a nationally recognized leader in designing innovative location-based software systems and developing cutting-edge, award-winning web and mobile applications - focused on applied innovations for Resilient Organizations. The LIL collaborates with other researchers on funded innovation projects and pursues the transfer of technologies to other organizations operating large campuses, through licensing agreements and other financial partnerships with industry

The Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for its open research pool. Positions are limited duration, funding contingent appointments potentially renewable for up to a total of three years. In limited circumstances, there is the possibility of renewal beyond three years based on programmatic need, funding, and performance.
Appointments may be as research assistants, conducting research under the direction of a principal investigator, as a postdoctoral scholar, conducting research with a mentor principal investigator, or as a research associate, conducting research with only general guidance.
Research assistant/associate/postdoctoral opportunities frequently arise in the IROCE. These positions are primarily funded by research grants or other special funded projects focused on developing applied innovations in organizational resilience. Candidates with professional or academic interests in any of these areas are encouraged to apply; applicants will be screened as needs arise. Successful candidates will have professional experience and a commitment to working effectively with researchers and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Screening of applications will take place as positions become available and will continue until positions are filled. Salary is dependent upon education, experience, and available funding.

Minimum Requirements for the rank of Research Assistant:
BS/BA Degree in related field.
Experience in the field of research.
Minimum Requirements for the rank of Research Associate:
Ph.D. in a field directly related to applied natural resource social science or environmental science such as forestry, geography, economics, political science, rural sociology, history, planning, anthropology or other related fields.
Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods such as designing and conducting interviews and surveys, managing large secondary datasets, and building and managing geospatial datasets.
Minimum Requirements for the rank of Postdoctoral Scholar:
Ph.D. in a field directly related to applied natural resource social science or environmental science such as forestry, geography, economics, political science, rural sociology, history, planning, anthropology or other related fields.
Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods such as designing and conducting interviews and surveys, managing large secondary datasets, and building and managing geospatial datasets.

Successful candidates for research positions will have professional experience, demonstrated ability, and/or potential for quality research.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

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