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Social Science Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCAT

Research Associate

Greensboro, NC · On-site +1

... of Research Associate with a track record of work in agribusiness finance, farm risk management ... or Related Social Science Curriculum vitae should reflect evidence of qualitative and/or ...

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for social science research associate in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Social Science Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Social Science Research Associate job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Social Science Research Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Social Science Research Associate jobs are:
Social Science Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Science Research Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,308 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

NIST PREP Research Associate for NIST Hurricane Maria and Community Resilience Programs

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requiring that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: Research Associate for NIST Hurricane Maria and Community Resilience Programs
The work will entail: The National Institute of Standards and Technology's National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Study of Hurricane Maria's Impacts and Recovery in Puerto Rico includes a project focused on the recovery of schools and hospitals in Puerto Rico. The objective of the Recovery of Social Functions project is to identify the underlying characteristics and conditions associated with recovery of critical social functions from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and to examine the recovery trajectories of sampled schools and hospitals. This project also includes investigation of the interdependencies of the broader community (e.g., households, businesses) and the social functions provided by schools and hospitals. Data were collected using surveys and interviews of K-12 schools and hospitals in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Maria and Fiona. https://www.nist.gov/topics/disaster-failure-studies/hurricane-maria/hurricane-maria-projects-0
The primary activities for the research associate include the analysis of school and hospital impacts and recovery in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Fiona. This role requires the application of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, as well as narrative and technical writing skills. The research associate will contribute to the development of reports, other publications, and presentations that communicate study findings to inform practical guidance and, ultimately, shape broader organizational resilience frameworks. Responsibilities also include supporting the development of data collection instruments (e.g., surveys and interview guides) and documentation required for approvals (e.g., Institutional Review Board, Office of Management and Budget Paperwork Reduction Act). Additionally, the work involves research and publications on related topics such as organizational resilience, community recovery, data collection following disasters, and measurement using social science methods.
This work supports additional efforts of the NIST Community Resilience Program https://www.nist.gov/community-resilience to develop the measurement science needed for concepts of recovery and resilience. Specifically, the work overlaps in the area of organizational resilience. In this area, the research associate will contribute to the development of publications as well as generalized survey and interview instruments that can be used to improve standardized measurement of impacts and recovery for organizations following disruptions such as natural hazards.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • quantitative and qualitative analysis of data
  • narrative and technical writing
  • communication of results through reports, other publications, and presentations
  • support the development of data collection instruments (e.g., surveys and interview guides)
  • support in developing documentation required for approvals (e.g., Institutional Review Board, Office of Management and Budget Paperwork Reduction Act),
  • research and publications on related topics including organizational resilience, community recovery, data collection following disasters, and measurement using social science methods

Qualifications
  • A Master's degree in geography, sociology, or a related social science field
  • At least 3 years of relevant expertise in research related to community and organizational resilience, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and hazard impacts
  • Experience on interdisciplinary research teams
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to develop scientific presentations and publications
  • Prior experience working on disaster studies preferred
  • US citizens preferred

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004609

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