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Social Science Researcher Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

College Statistics Tutor

Portland, OR ยท 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 ...

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Factors, Psychology, Social Sciences, HCI, Design Research, or related field. * Typically 3-6 years of experience in UX research, design research, or market ...

AP Statistics Tutor

Portland, OR ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes communication of statistical reasoning in context and connects statistics to social science research, public policy, and medical studies. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

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Social Science Researcher information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$119.9K

$174.5K

How much do social science researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for social science researcher in Portland, OR is $119,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $163,300.00 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 Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Social Science Researcher jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Science Researcher jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Social Science Researcher job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,945 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor for Social Sciences and Sociology

Warner Pacific University

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach assigned social science and sociology courses to undergraduate and graduate students, modeling current best practices in teaching.

  • Provide prompt and thorough feedback to students to support their learning and assignment improvements.

  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students while adhering to university policies and promoting the mission and values of Warner Pacific University.


Job description

Summary Description: The Adjunct Instructor for Social Sciences and Sociology reports to the Chair of  Social  Sciences and Humanities and is responsible for teaching lower and upper division courses on either the traditional campus or the evening Professional and Graduate Studies campus.  The traditional campus is located on Mt. Tabor in SE Portland and our Professional and Graduate Studies courses run in SE Portland. Terms on the traditional campus typically run 15 weeks and terms in the evening courses run five weeks for undergraduate programs and six weeks for graduate.
We need instructors with graduate degrees who have taken graduate courses in the area of instruction for the following subject areas:
  • Human Development
  • Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Psychology
  • Counseling
  • Social Science Research Methods
  • Government: US, State & Local, US Legal System, Policy Analysis, International Relations

Essential Functions:
  • Teach assigned courses in areas of social science, modeling current best practices in teaching, demonstrating a commitment to sound andragogical and pedagogical practices.
  • Clearly communicate to students when and how to secure instruction and feedback outside of regular course meeting hours, including use of University Learning Management System.
  • Provide prompt and thorough feedback to students to ensure their ability to incorporate changes before subsequent assignments.
  • Work collegially with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Understand and promote the mission, values, and core themes of Warner Pacific University.
  • Exhibit excellent communication skills in all interactions with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Contribute to the support and implementation of the University Strategic Plan.
  • Participate in Warner Pacific University professional development opportunities.
  • Adhere to University policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate commitment to a Christian liberal arts education by upholding the mission of the University and abiding by the Employment Standards and Lifestyle Agreement.
  • Exhibit commitment to inclusiveness and sensitivity in areas of national origin, ethnicity, culture, gender, and disabilities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree with coursework in the field of instruction
  • Experience working with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in field of instruction
  • Professional experience in the field.
  • College teaching experience in relevant curriculum.

Physical Demands – Work Environment: 
The position is located in a typical office environment.  Professional/business casual attire is required
To apply, please read the Employment and Lifestyle Standards statement below, then complete the online application at www.warnerpacific.edu/jobs. Please also submit the following with your application (you may attach these documents at the conclusion of the online application):
 
*Cover Letter
*Curriculum Vitae or Resume
*Unofficial Transcripts
*Essay Response to the Following Questions:
 
1.  How does your personal faith reflect the principles stated in terms 1, 2, and 3 of the Employment Standards? (listed below)
 2.  How does your personal philosophy of education and commitment to the synthesis of faith and learning reflect the principles stated in items 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8? (listed below)
Employment and Lifestyle Standards: 
Warner Pacific is a Christ-centered urban liberal arts University dedicated to providing students from diverse backgrounds an education that prepares them to engage actively in a constantly changing world. The University was founded in 1937 by the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). Central to Warner Pacific’s identity as a Christ-centered higher education institution is the policy of hiring persons whose personal and professional lives reflect:
 
1.   A belief in the deity of and commitment to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith, as interpreted through the historic witness of Scripture and the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit.
2.  The practice of following Christ through day-to-day personal lifestyle choices.
3.  A vitality of Christian experience maturing in insight and application and appreciative of differing viewpoints.
4.  A commitment to life-long learning and service through personal and professional development.
5.  For teaching faculty, the expression of artful teaching, based on mastery of relevant subject matter and in an environment of purposeful and rigorous inquiry amongst a community of scholars who support one another.
6. A capability, by temperament, preparation, and will, to support students as they confront the intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of their lives.
7.   A sensitivity to and support for the mission, core themes, vision, values, ethos and traditions of the Warner Pacific University community.
8. A commitment to teaching and serving in harmony with the doctrines of the Holy Bible. 
Employee Agreement:
Mission-based hiring is of critical importance to Warner Pacific University. Employees are expected to demonstrate and articulate a vital Christian faith and to live in a manner consistent with a Christ-centered lifestyle as informed by the Scriptures of the New Testament.
 
Warner Pacific’s students, faculty and staff are expected to foster an environment of mutual respect and accountability, to care for the personal dignity of others and to exercise integrity in their conduct and communication. The University environment is expected to be free from discrimination and harassment (including bullying). When an individual’s behavior has direct implications for others and/or the well-being of the University community, there may be cause for institutional involvement, regardless of where the situation occurs.
 
Warner Pacific University desires to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, faculty, students, visitors and guests. Therefore, smoking is not permitted on University property, in its vehicles, or at any University sponsored event. The use of illegal drugs or non-prescribed controlled substances is strictly prohibited. Use of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products is strictly prohibited on Warner Pacific University campuses.
 Warner Pacific University's Mission:  Warner Pacific is a Christ-centered, urban, diverse, minority-serving, Hispanic-serving, liberal arts University dedicated to providing students with an education that prepares them to engage actively in a constantly changing world. Our hiring practices reflect our missional commitment to being a Christ-centered institution.
Warner Pacific University’s Commitment to Diversity: Warner Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse workforce of committed Christians from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Warner Pacific University is committed to hiring staff and faculty with an intentionality that demonstrates the importance of having an employee community that reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the students we serve.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Warner Pacific provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status and any other status protected by laws and regulations to which Warner Pacific is subject.  All employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, and terminations are made in a manner that does not discriminate against individuals in the categories discussed above.  Because Warner Pacific is a Christian liberal arts University, the University exercises its legal right to hire Christian employees to fulfill its mission and purpose.
** NOTE: All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and completing all required paperwork.