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As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for social science research in California is $24.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $31.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social science research?

A Social Science Research job involves studying human behavior, societies, and social relationships using qualitative and quantitative methods. Researchers collect and analyze data to understand trends, address social issues, and inform policies. They work in academic institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations. Responsibilities may include designing studies, conducting surveys, analyzing statistics, and publishing findings. Strong analytical, communication, and critical-thinking skills are essential for success in this field.

What do social science researchers do?

In a Social Science Research role, your daily activities often involve designing research studies, collecting and analyzing quantitative or qualitative data, and preparing reports or presentations based on your findings. You may spend time conducting literature reviews, organizing focus groups or interviews, and ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines. Collaboration with other researchers, project managers, or external stakeholders is also common, as research projects often require input from multidisciplinary teams. This variety makes the work intellectually stimulating and provides opportunities to develop a diverse skill set.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for social science research?

To thrive in Social Science Research, you need strong skills in research design, statistical analysis, data collection, and interpretation, typically supported by a degree in a social science field such as sociology, psychology, or political science. Familiarity with statistical software like SPSS, STATA, or R, as well as experience with survey platforms and qualitative analysis tools, is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills make candidates stand out. These abilities equip professionals to produce reliable, impactful insights that inform policy or program development in academic, governmental, or nonprofit settings.

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Infographic showing various Social Science Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,149 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial & Energy Policy Research) - 2035 Initiative, Institute fo

University of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

University Of California Santa Barbara rating

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Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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213th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position description
Through the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency, the 2035 Initiative is seeking an Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research) who will work closely with Principal Investigators, researchers, and the 2035 Initiative's Director on domestic and international projects. The 2035 Initiative brings together engineers and social scientists to clean up our energy systems and address the climate crisis. We use cutting-edge empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet. We are looking for a mission-driven Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research with deep expertise in energy and climate policy research, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to work effectively across engineering and social science teams. The Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research will serve as a key intellectual contributor and operational anchor for the Initiative's research portfolio-leading and managing projects from inception through publication, coordinating across internal and external collaborators, and helping translate empirical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Manage a portfolio of technical and policy research projects end-to-end, including scoping, milestone planning, coordination across research teams, and delivery of final products on time and to a high standard
  • Lead and co-author policy research reports, working papers, and memos on topics including industrial decarbonization, clean energy policy, and regulatory strategy, translating complex empirical findings for policy and public audiences
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams composed of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students, providing direction, feedback, and day-to-day oversight
  • Contribute substantively to technical and policy analyses, including collecting and processing energy, political, and regulatory data at the global, national, and state levels
  • Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research, including survey research, to assess the policy landscape and public or stakeholder attitudes on climate and energy issues
  • Provide statistical analysis and coding support for Initiative research projects, primarily in R and/or Python
  • Collaborate with engineering and social science research teams to ensure technical analysis is policy-relevant and that findings are communicated clearly to non-technical audiences
  • Present research findings to government clients, policy audiences, and partner organizations
  • Engage with external stakeholders, policy advocates, and partner organizations as relevant to ongoing research projects
  • Broadly lend support to the Initiative team where needed and tackle special projects where appropriate

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, economics, environmental science, environmental studies, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in political science, public policy,
environmental policy, or a related social science or environmental
field
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-component research projects involving multiple collaborators, timelines, and deliverables
  • Substantial experience contributing to and leading policy research on climate, energy, or environmental topics, including authorship of published reports or peer-reviewed work
  • Experience coordinating and providing direction to teams of researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students
  • Proficiency in statistical programming (R and/or Python) for data analysis and visualization
  • Knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies and policy pathways, including clean heat, electrification, and emerging energy technologies
  • Knowledge of U.S. and international clean energy policy landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and political dynamics
  • Experience designing and analyzing survey or other empirical research to assess attitudes or behavior related to energy or climate policy
  • Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously with rigor, speed, and attention to detail
  • Strong written communication skills, with experience producing policy memos, public-facing reports, and similar content
  • Experience presenting research findings to government, policy, or public audiences
  • Experience engaging with external partners, advocates, or stakeholders in a research or policy context

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing Sample - A policy report, working paper, or published article of which you are the lead or sole author

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for at least 2 references. In the event the applicant is selected as the finalist, the committee may contact the references before making their final selection.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03117
Help contact: madeleineforrest@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, California

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