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Social Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Social Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

A degree behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR You must have a combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one ...

Position Overview DCG is seeking a Social Scientist to support consumer and regulatory research programs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position will contribute to the design ...

Position Overview DCG is seeking a Social Scientist to support consumer and regulatory research programs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position will contribute to the design ...

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Social Scientist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$37.7K

$95K

$120.4K

How much do social scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for social scientist in Silver Spring, MD is $95,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $120,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social scientist?

Social scientists are professionals who study human society and social relationships. They use various research methods to investigate how people interact, how societies function, and how social institutions influence behavior. Social scientists may specialize in fields like sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, or political science, and their work helps inform public policy, education, and many other areas of society. Their research often involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis to understand complex social issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Scientist, you need a solid background in social science theory, research methods, and data analysis, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Stata) and qualitative analysis tools is commonly required. Strong critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for interpreting data and sharing findings with diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing meaningful research that informs policy, advances knowledge, and addresses complex societal issues.

How do social scientists typically collaborate with professionals from other disciplines in their projects?

Social scientists often work alongside experts from fields such as public health, economics, urban planning, and education to address complex societal issues. This interdisciplinary collaboration usually involves joint research design, data sharing, and regular meetings to integrate diverse perspectives. Successful teamwork requires strong communication skills and adaptability, as social scientists must translate their findings into actionable recommendations for non-specialist stakeholders. These collaborations not only enhance the impact of research but also open doors for professional growth and networking.

What is the difference between Social Scientist vs Sociologist?

AspectSocial ScientistSociologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in social sciences; often research experienceBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in sociology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, NGOsUniversities, research centers, policy organizations
Industry UsageBroader social sciences including anthropology, economicsSpecialized in sociology
Common Search IntentComparing roles, career paths, job dutiesUnderstanding sociology as a discipline, career options

While both Social Scientists and Sociologists study human behavior and society, Social Scientists have a broader focus across various social sciences, whereas Sociologists specialize specifically in sociology. Social Scientists often work in diverse settings like research institutions and government agencies, while Sociologists are commonly found in academic or policy roles. The choice depends on your specific interest in sociology versus broader social science research.

What are the careers in social science?

Careers in social science include roles such as social researcher, policy analyst, community development specialist, and behavioral scientist. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of research methods, and proficiency with data analysis tools. Social scientists work in government agencies, research institutions, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies to study human behavior and societal issues.

What kind of jobs can you get with social scientist?

A social scientist can work in various roles such as research analyst, policy advisor, community development specialist, or market researcher. These jobs often require strong analytical skills, data collection, and interpretation, and may involve working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Social Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Social Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Social Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Social Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Social Scientist jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Social Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Scientist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,029 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

$169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Internal Revenue Service rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

WHAT IS RESEARCH, APPLIED ANALYTICS & STATISTCS?

A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • RAAS - Knowledge - KDA Taxpayer Behavior Lab

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
IOR BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
A degree behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
You must have a combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
You must have four (4) years of appropriate experience that demonstrated knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
AND
GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.

  • Specialized experience includes: Demonstrating the use of professional knowledge of the methods and principles of social economic and social psychology to identify behavioral segments and profiles of taxpayer behavior, to determine conclusions, solve complex problems within the assigned area, draw rational social economic statistical conclusions and prepare comprehensive reports.
  • Applying technical expertise and application of social economic and social psychology and statistical techniques to research data and skillful interpretation of the results and validate findings;
  • Developing, analyzing, and presenting social science information statistically, recognizing and adopting new techniques and preparing comprehensive reports;
  • Completing research assignments using social science and statistical methodology to define profile and evaluate market segments of taxpayers for compliance with tax laws and resolve critical problems and to draw rational inferences.
  • Utilizing various phases of initiation, formulation, planning, execution, and control of major social science studies or continuous projects to recognize and evaluate significant and critical factors, to solve complex problems and to draw rational inferences based on research findings;
  • Reviewing technical papers, articles, and other reports that use social science data for technical accuracy and proper application of social science methods and statistical analysis and resolving complex social science problems or errors.

AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03 or 04 positions.


For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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