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Social Science Researcher Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

AKDN

An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network ( www.akdn.org ), AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent ...

New

Aga Khan Development Network

An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network ( www.akdn.org ), AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent ...

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Varsity Tutors

College Statistics Tutor

Nashville, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes conceptual understanding of inference and connects statistics to social science research, public health, and business analytics. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Statistics Tutor

Chattanooga, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes conceptual understanding of inference and connects statistics to social science research, public health, and business analytics. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Statistics Tutor

Kingsport, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes conceptual understanding of inference and connects statistics to social science research, public health, and business analytics. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Statistics Tutor

Murfreesboro, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes conceptual understanding of inference and connects statistics to social science research, public health, and business analytics. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Statistics Tutor

Knoxville, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes conceptual understanding of inference and connects statistics to social science research, public health, and business analytics. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Statistics Tutor

Memphis, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes conceptual understanding of inference and connects statistics to social science research, public health, and business analytics. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

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All JobsSocial Science Researcher JobsSocial Science Researcher Jobs in Tennessee

Social Science Researcher information

See Tennessee salary details

$27.2K

$102.7K

$149.3K

How much do social science researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for social science researcher in Tennessee is $102,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $139,800.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Social Science Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Science Researcher job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,653 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Research Assistant/Associate Professor

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

University Of Memphis rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP) at the UofM is seeking a Research Assistant or Associate Professor to join our team. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position focused exclusively on research and does not include classroom teaching responsibilities. 

This is a grant-funded position. This appointment is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds and could be terminated if grant funding is lost. This appointment is made subject to the laws of the State of Tennessee and the policies and requirements of the University of Memphis.

CREP is not currently offering any sponsorships for this position.

At the Assistant Professor level:

Required:

  • Earned doctoral degree in social science or research-focused field
  • At least one year of relevant postdoctoral or professional experience
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong project management skills
  • Strong evaluation skills

Desired:

  • Experience applying for and securing grant funding
  • Experience conducting rigorous research: Design studies, collect and analyze data (qualitative and/or quantitative), interpret results, prepare reports/manuscripts
  • Experience working with, or in, K-12 educational settings
  • Evidence of grant management, and execution of sponsored evaluation and research
  • Evidence of publications and conference presentations

At the Associate Professor level: 

Required:

  • Earned doctoral degree in social science or research-focused field
  • At least five years of relevant postdoctoral or professional experience
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong project management skills
  • Strong evaluation skills
  • Experience applying for and securing grant funding
  • Experience conducting rigorous research: Design studies, collect and analyze data (qualitative and/or quantitative), interpret results, prepare reports/manuscripts
  • Evidence of grant management, and execution of sponsored evaluation and research
  • Evidence of publications and conference presentations

Desired:

  • Experience working with, or in, K-12 educational settings

Research faculty contribute to the overall vision, mission, and direction of the Center; serve as a subject-matter expert in one or more areas related to K-12 educational research or policy; actively pursue and develop research collaborations both on and off campus; seek and secure external grant and funding opportunities; collaborate on proposal writing teams; help develop budgets for proposals; design and lead major sponsored evaluation and research projects; serve as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator in partnerships within and beyond the University; guide instrument development and data collection activities; conduct both quantitative and qualitative data analyses; supervise and mentor research staff and graduate assistants; present findings to funders and project partners; disseminate findings through conferences and peer-reviewed publications; represent CREP and the University of Memphis in collaborations with partners at all levels, both internal and external; and participate in quality control processes for all Center initiatives.

Applicants should have a strong record of success in funded research, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Some university-sponsored travel will be required for assigned projects. Additional information about CREP can be found at https://www.memphis.edu/crep/

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