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Social Science Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Wayne State University

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 ...

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Social Science Researcher information

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$26.1K

$98.6K

$143.4K

How much do social science researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for social science researcher in Michigan is $98,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social science researcher?

A Social Science Researcher studies human behavior, societies, and institutions using qualitative and quantitative research methods. They gather and analyze data, conduct surveys, interview participants, and interpret trends to provide insights on social issues. Their work informs policies, academic studies, and organizational practices across various fields such as sociology, psychology, economics, and political science.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a social science researcher?

To thrive as a Social Science Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of social science theories, and a relevant degree such as sociology, psychology, or political science. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, or NVivo), data collection tools, and sometimes research ethics certification are typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are vital for designing rigorous studies, interpreting complex data, and effectively sharing findings with both academic and non-academic audiences.

What are the common challenges faced by social science researchers and how are they addressed?

Social Science Researchers often encounter challenges such as recruiting representative study participants, managing large or complex data sets, and navigating tight deadlines for grant-funded projects. Addressing these challenges usually involves close teamwork, proactive project planning, and regular communication with supervisors or collaborators. Many organizations also provide resources such as access to participant databases, collaboration with data analysts, or project management tools to help researchers succeed. By seeking support from mentors and actively engaging with peers, researchers can effectively overcome obstacles and make meaningful contributions to their field.

Do social science researchers make good money?

Social science researchers' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and employer, but they generally earn a median annual wage that is close to the national average for social science occupations. Advanced degrees and specialized skills, such as data analysis or statistical software proficiency, can lead to higher compensation. Salaries can also differ based on whether they work in academia, government, or private sectors.

What degree do you need to be a social science researcher?

A social science researcher typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in social sciences such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, or political science. Many roles require a master's degree or higher for advanced research positions, along with strong analytical skills and experience with research methods and statistical tools.

What are popular job titles related to Social Science Researcher jobs in Michigan?

For Social Science Researcher jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Social Science Researcher jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Science Researcher jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Social Science Researcher jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Social Science Researcher job openings:

Social Science Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Science Researcher job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,579 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

SEH - Research Fellow - Weatherization

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform primary and secondary data analyses and health impact assessments related to home weatherization and housing features.

  • Collaborate with government and community partners to address policy and funding decisions related to housing and climate change adaptation.

  • Assist with manuscript and grant writing, prepare reports, supervise students, and present research findings at meetings and workshops.

University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Background Information
The Social Environment and Health Program (SEH) (www.seh.isr.umich.edu) in the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research (ISR) is a pioneer and leader in forging linkages across disciplinary perspectives. Our program seeks to understand the intersections between social and environmental context and their impacts on population health and health inequalities, including research on the health impacts of neighborhood, built environment, structural racism, climate change, infectious disease, cognitive aging, and immune health across the life course.
The Institute for Social Research is the largest academic social science research institution in the world. This interdisciplinary community includes researchers from sociology, anthropology, economics, psychology, information and computer science, statistics, geography, public policy, public health, and medicine, among others. SRC is a unique, world-renowned social science research center that conducts investigator-initiated, survey-based research on theoretical and applied problems of both social and scientific importance (see www.src.isr.umich.edu). Scholars have exceptional resources to facilitate research including access to administrative, research, and computer support staff.
Job Summary
The SEH Program is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to work on characterizing the health effects of home weatherization and other housing features. Through active collaborations with government and community partners, our findings are addressing key policy and funding decisions related to housing and climate change adaptation. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Carina Gronlund and her staff and perform primary and secondary data analyses and health impact assessments. Successful candidates will have opportunities to address new study questions; assist with manuscript and grant writing; prepare participant-facing and non-academic reports; supervise students; and present research activities within the group, at scientific meetings, and in workshops for the general public.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • PhD degree or equivalent in epidemiology or a related field
  • Experience with analysis of health data linked to contextual and environmental information
  • Analysis experience in R, SAS, STATA or a similar statistical programming language
  • Interest in learning new data management and analytic techniques in R
  • Interest in community-engaged and community-based participatory research
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills and oral and written communication
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Application Instructions
Interested applicants please submit (1) a letter of interest; (2) personal statement regarding research interests, career goals, and experience; (3) a curriculum vitae; (4) a writing sample (examples include a published peer-reviewed manuscript or manuscript in preparation for peer review); and (5) contact information for two or three references who can supply a letter of recommendation. All materials can be submitted through Interfolio; any questions or inquiries can be sent to nprieur@umich.edu.
Compensation
Salary range is $70,000/year plus benefits and grant related travel funds. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience of the candidate. The appointment will be for one year, with a potential for renewal for one additional year. The preferred start date is summer/early fall 2024.
Work Locations
Work location is expected to be onsite in Ann Arbor with flexibility for remote work within our overall Center guidelines.
Additional Information
The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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