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Social Science Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee

ORAU

Research Associate 2

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site +1

$35.19 - $48.95/hr

Often early career research associates encounter complex scientific and technical problems that require independent analysis, critical thinking, and consultation with a research mentor and ...

ORAU

Research Associate 2

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site +1

$35.19 - $48.95/hr

Often early career research associates encounter complex scientific and technical problems that require independent analysis, critical thinking, and consultation with a research mentor and ...

ORAU

Research Associate 2

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site +1

$35.19 - $48.95/hr

Often early career research associates encounter complex scientific and technical problems that require independent analysis, critical thinking, and consultation with a research mentor and ...

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Social Science Research Associate information

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$12

$21

$28

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for social science research associate in Tennessee is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Social Science Research Associate vs Research Analyst?

AspectSocial Science Research AssociateResearch Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in social sciences, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in related fields, analytical skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, government, or nonprofit research settingsCorporate, consulting, or market research firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, think tanks, NGOsBusinesses, market research companies, financial firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Social Science Research Associate typically works in academic or nonprofit settings focusing on social research projects, requiring social science backgrounds. Research Analysts often work in corporate or market environments analyzing data for business insights. While both roles involve research skills, their industries and focus areas differ, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Science Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Science Research Associate, you need a solid background in social science research methods, data analysis, and typically at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, R, or Stata and familiarity with survey platforms or qualitative analysis tools are often required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and manage complex research projects. These skills ensure accurate data collection and analysis, as well as the effective dissemination of research findings to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges Social Science Research Associates encounter when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Social Science Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing deadlines, coordinating with diverse research teams, and ensuring data quality across studies. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to meet deliverables and maintain project integrity. Additionally, adapting to shifting research priorities or methodologies requires flexibility and collaboration with principal investigators and other stakeholders.

What are Social Science Research Associates?

Social Science Research Associates support the design, implementation, and analysis of research projects in fields like psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. They assist lead researchers by collecting data, conducting literature reviews, running statistical analyses, and preparing reports or presentations. Their work helps advance knowledge on social issues and informs policy decisions. These professionals usually work in academic institutions, government agencies, or private research organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Science Research jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Social Science Research jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Social Science Research Associate jobs in Tennessee? For Social Science Research Associate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Social Science Research Associate jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Social Science Research Associate jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Social Science Research Associate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Social Science Research Associate job openings:
Social Science Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Science Research Associate job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,160 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Research Associate 2

ORAU

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site, Remote

$35.19 - $48.95/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary (Part-Time 20 hr./Week)
LOCATION: Remote U.S. Based Locations)
*SALARY RANGE: $35.19 - $48.95/per hour
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please review the job requirements outlined below very carefully and answer all screening questions when submitting your application for this position. There are some very specific, mandatory requirements candidates must complete to be considered for this opportunity.
PURPOSE:
The early career research associate will propose and conduct research under the guidance of a self-selected mentor, that leverages National Institute of Health (NIH) Common Fund datasets and resources to address complex biological questions. The research conducted will center on integrative analysis across multiple NIH Common Fund datasets with a focus on developing computational strategies that enable discovery across independently generated data resources. The early career research associate will contribute to the Common Fund Data Ecosystem (CFDE) community through dissemination of findings, development of reproducible workflows, and active engagement in collaborative initiatives offered through the CFDE community, supporting broader efforts to advance biomedical data integration and reuse.
Often early career research associates encounter complex scientific and technical problems that require independent analysis, critical thinking, and consultation with a research mentor and collaborators. Problems are often novel and do not have established solutions.
Example: Integrating heterogeneous datasets from multiple NIH Common Fund programs that differ in data formats, standards, metadata, and quality. These challenges are resolved by developing computational workflows, applying data harmonization techniques, and using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics methods.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct research with a focus on applying computational, bioinformatics, and statistical approaches to address complex biological questions using diverse datatypes including omics (e.g., spatial, multi-omics, single-cell, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and biological entities (e.g., cell, connectivity, tissue, drug, organ).

  • Regular engagement and meetings with selected mentor to ensure guidance on leveraging CFDE data and resources to address complex biological questions, discuss research progress, and alignment with achieving proposed research.

  • Developing publications, conference presentations, reproducible workflows, and other project outputs to the CFDE community and wider research community.

  • Participation in CFDE annual meetings, events, presentations, mentoring opportunities, or other community-facing activities.

Other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Master's degree and 1-2 years of directly related experience. Ph.D. preferred in Bioinformatics, Biomedical Informatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Data Science or a closely related field and 0 years of experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience performing duties as described may be substituted for the minimum requirements. *Note: It is REQUIRED that any Ph.D. earned must have been earned within the past 5 years.
Important Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a research proposal (limited to one page) describing their planned research. Proposals must include:
  • A description of how the research will use data from TWO or more CFDE datasets (https://cfdeknowledge.org/r/kc_landing)
  • Any CFDE resources, tools, or support needed to successfully complete the research
  • A summary of the applicant's prior experience with any omics related data, if any in addition to working with CFDE data (note: prior experience with CFDE data is not required for selection)

NOTE: Proposals and all supporting documentation must be emailed directly to Amy.Loposser@orau.org AND Leah.Hamm@orau.org to be considered.
  • Demonstrated research experience in computational biology, data science, bioinformatics, biomedical informatics, molecular biology, or related field, including analysis of complex biomedical datasets, use or development of reproducible computational workflows, scientific publication and presentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams. Experience gained through doctoral research, postdoctoral training, or equivalent research experience is acceptable.

  • This position requires a blend of biological expertise, computational skills, and collaborative abilities to advance integrative biomedical research using NIH Common Fund data and resources.
    • Knowledge of computational biology, bioinformatics, data science, molecular biology or a related field, with an understanding of biomedical research and multi-omics data analysis.
    • Demonstrated ability to apply computational, statistical, and analytical methods to integrate and analyze complex biomedical datasets.
    • Proficiency in programming and data analysis tools commonly used in biomedical research (e.g., R, Python, or similar).
    • Strong scientific communication skills, including the ability to prepare publications, presentations, and reproducible research outputs.
    • Ability to work independently under the guidance of a mentor while effectively collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and the broader CFDE community.
    • Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to collaborative research initiatives.

*The candidate's starting salary will be determined upon hire and ORAU will use salary survey data, internal comparators, and the candidate's qualifications to determine salary.
TOTAL REWARDS:
ORAU has a strategic approach to providing total rewards to employees through a fair, equitable, and competitive total compensation package. The goal of our total rewards system is to integrate compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance, recognition, development, and career opportunities to attract, engage, and retain the talent required to achieve ORAU's business objectives. The benefit component of our total rewards program supports business goals by offering the following benefits based on employee eligibility:
  • Legally required benefits
  • Group Health insurance including Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision
  • Retirement plan contribution matching
  • Disability insurance
  • Group life insurance
  • Travel Accident Insurance
  • Section 125 reimbursement accounts
  • Other voluntary employee-paid benefit and insurance offerings

The ORAU total reward package also promotes work-life balance. Mindful of the need for employees to care for themselves and their families, ORAU offers the following additional work-life benefits based on employee eligibility:
  • Telework
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Flexible work schedules or compressed work weeks
  • Occupational Health and Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
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About ORAU

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Public administration

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Ridge, TN, US

Year founded

1946

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