Social Science Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Social Scientist IV

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

At Battelle, you will work alongside globally recognized experts on multidisciplinary teams tackling complex, real-world problems. We offer the opportunity to conduct mission-driven research, expand your professional impact, and contribute to solutions that make a meaningful difference.

Battelle is seeking a Social Scientist IV to lead high-impact research addressing some of today's most pressing societal, technological, and national security challenges. This role is ideal for an experienced social scientist who enjoys translating complex data into actionable insights, collaborating across disciplines, and driving research that informs real-world decision-making.

In this role, you will apply advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods across the social sciences to study human, organizational, and societal dynamics. You will design and lead research projects, mentor junior staff, and partner closely with internal and external clients to deliver rigorous, policy-relevant insights across domains such as national security, energy, environment, health, and public policy.

Responsibilities

• Applies multidisciplinary social science skills, compliance, knowledge, and project management experience to design research studies
• Determines the appropriate analysis methods, identifies problems, and develops and implements solutions to complex problems.
• Conducts, designs and/or leads social science research and applies quantitative and qualitative theories, methods, and techniques across social sciences to analyze human, organizational and social phenomena and to address emerging and prevailing societal issues concerning energy, environment, technological innovation, health and human safety, national defense and security, and public policy.
• Areas of research include sociology, psychology, behavioral science, computational social science, economics, political science, human geography, demography, anthropology, history, linguistics, and law.

• Lead and design complex qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research studies across a range of social science disciplines.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations for clients.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality technical reports, briefings, and presentations for diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership on research projects and major project phases, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Mentor and provide day-to-day guidance to junior researchers and research support staff.
• Develop and apply innovative research methods and analytical approaches to address emerging challenges.
• Contribute to proposal development, including writing technical sections and shaping research approaches.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, government sponsors, and external partners.
• Support business development and internal research initiatives (IR&D), helping identify and pursue new research opportunities.
• Represent Battelle at scientific conferences, peer review panels, and professional forums through presentations and publications.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, OR
• Master's degree in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, OR
• PhD in a related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading social science research projects.
• Strong experience applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience delivering results to clients or stakeholders.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.