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Social Science Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title: Social Science Research Lead Position Overview: BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This ...

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title:  Social Science Research Lead Position Overview: BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This ...

ICF

Research Associate, Social Marketing

Reston, VA

Bachelor's degree in public health, the social sciences, marketing or a related field * 5+ years of experience in social science research or marketing analytics to include experience conducting ...

ICF

Research Specialist, Social Marketing

Reston, VA · On-site

Master's degree in public health, social or behavioral sciences, marketing, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in social science research to include experience in conducting qualitative or ...

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Social Science Researcher information

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$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do social science researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for social science researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Social Science Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Science Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA • On-site

BLN24
See more jobs at BLN24external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title:Social Science Research Lead
Position Overview:
BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This position provides subject matter expertise, scientific leadership, and programmatic support for social, behavioral, and economic sciences (SBES) research that advances NOAA's ability to understand, communicate, and respond to weather, climate, water, and societal challenges. Working closely with NOAA leadership, researchers, Cooperative Institutes, Federal agencies, and academic partners, this individual will strengthen the integration of social science research into NOAA programs, decision support capabilities, and research-to-operations initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and support SBES research initiatives, portfolio management, and evaluation of funding programs, cooperative agreements, and scientific partnerships that inform NOAA programs, services, and decision support capabilities.
  • Apply qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches to conduct stakeholder analyses, literature reviews, research syntheses, and program evaluations that identify emerging priorities, research gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Support research-to-operations (R2O) and transition-to-operations (T2O) initiatives by integrating social science findings into operational programs, ensuring compliance with IRB, PRA, and research governance requirements.
  • Coordinate scientific workshops, conferences, stakeholder engagements, and interagency collaborations, and prepare technical reports, white papers, briefing materials, presentations, and stakeholder-facing products to communicate research findings and program outcomes.
  • Support compliance activities related to Institutional Review Boards (IRB), Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), and other research governance requirements.
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences, professional society meetings, workshops, and stakeholder forums while contributing to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Science, Behavioral Science, Economics, Public Policy, Communications, Geography, Psychology, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred, PhD highly desirable.
  • Minimum six (6) years of experience conducting, supporting, evaluating, or leading social science, behavioral science, economic, or interdisciplinary research initiatives.
  • Working knowledge of SBES research principles, methodologies, and applications, including experience designing or evaluating qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.
  • Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and stakeholder-facing deliverables, and supporting stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, or cross-organizational initiatives.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required NOAA facility, security, and IT access.
What BLN24 brings to the Game:
BLN24 benefits are game changing. We like our team to play hard and that means they need to be taken care of - physically, financially, and emotionally. We make sure to keep them in the game by giving them access to generous medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • You can join one of the fastest growing companies headquartered in the Washington DC Metro Area. We give you the opportunity to work in different sectors, so you have the chance at variety while maintaining stability.
  • Flexibility at BLN24 allows each individual the opportunity to balance quality work and their personal lives. Depending on projects, we allow remote working opportunities so you can always be in the game no matter where you call home.
BLN24 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe people are our strength and understand diverse talents are key to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

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