Social Researcher Jobs
Social Researcher jobs are open across government agencies, nonprofits, academia, healthcare, and market research firms, from entry-level analyst to senior researcher and research director, with specializations in survey design, qualitative methods, and policy analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Social Researcher jobs
Research Specialist - Social Sciences
Hiring Department: Psychiatry
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043353
Salary: $80,000.00-$90,000.00; Commensurate with experience
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
Position Summary
The Research Specialist contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Specifically, this position will collaborate as a Response Training Support (RTS) staff with the principle investigator to design research protocols applicable to the Comprehensive Assessment and Response Training System (CARTS) program. This position also oversees implementation of the protocols and monitors results. The research protocols addressed involve collecting and analyzing data regarding patient progress during CATU hospitalization, developing discharge recommendations based on the data analyses and providing consultation to patient placement provider utilizing the data and recommendations for the purpose of improving ongoing treatment progress.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Principle Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.
- Formulate and conduct research studies and analyses. Performs complex data collection and study methods. Analyze and evaluate research results.
- Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods and procedures.
- Develop and write advanced, comprehensive protocols.
- Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed.
- Contribute material, prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.
- Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission.
- Guide, train and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
- Collaborates as a Response Training Support (RTS) staff with the Principle Investigator to design research protocols applicable to the Comprehensive Assessment and Response Training System (CARTS) program.
- Oversees implementation of the protocols and monitors results for CARTS program.
- Collect and analyze data regarding patient progress during CARTS hospitalization.
- Develop discharge recommendations based on the data analyses and provide consultation to patient placement provider utilizing the data and recommendations for the purpose of improving ongoing treatment progress.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field required. Master’s degree in social science preferred.
- A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
- Current Illinois clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW, LCPC, or equivalent degree), or eligible for Illinois clinical licensure at the time of hire.
- Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods
- Advanced graduate degree in relevant scientific, social science, or research-related field.
- Experience working within therapeutic residential treatment settings and familiarity with program operations.
- Knowledge of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), child welfare systems, and related policies and practices.
- Experience working with adolescents impacted by relational trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and/or child abuse.
Benefits and Compensation:
The previously determined salary range for this position is $80,000.00-$90,000.00.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications. The final salary will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Please visit our department website at www.psych.uic.edu. Applicants must apply online at http://jobs.uic.edu and reference Job Requisition 1043353 and submit a CV, cover letter, and three names of references by 11/27/2026. The application review process will start after posting close date and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Research Specialist - Social Sciences
Hiring Department: Psychiatry
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043353
Salary: $80,000.00-$90,000.00; Commensurate with experience
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
Position Summary
The Research Specialist contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Specifically, this position will collaborate as a Response Training Support (RTS) staff with the principle investigator to design research protocols applicable to the Comprehensive Assessment and Response Training System (CARTS) program. This position also oversees implementation of the protocols and monitors results. The research protocols addressed involve collecting and analyzing data regarding patient progress during CATU hospitalization, developing discharge recommendations based on the data analyses and providing consultation to patient placement provider utilizing the data and recommendations for the purpose of improving ongoing treatment progress.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Principle Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.
- Formulate and conduct research studies and analyses. Performs complex data collection and study methods. Analyze and evaluate research results.
- Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods and procedures.
- Develop and write advanced, comprehensive protocols.
- Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed.
- Contribute material, prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.
- Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission.
- Guide, train and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
- Collaborates as a Response Training Support (RTS) staff with the Principle Investigator to design research protocols applicable to the Comprehensive Assessment and Response Training System (CARTS) program.
- Oversees implementation of the protocols and monitors results for CARTS program.
- Collect and analyze data regarding patient progress during CARTS hospitalization.
- Develop discharge recommendations based on the data analyses and provide consultation to patient placement provider utilizing the data and recommendations for the purpose of improving ongoing treatment progress.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field required. Master’s degree in social science preferred.
- A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
- Current Illinois clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW, LCPC, or equivalent degree), or eligible for Illinois clinical licensure at the time of hire.
- Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods
- Advanced graduate degree in relevant scientific, social science, or research-related field.
- Experience working within therapeutic residential treatment settings and familiarity with program operations.
- Knowledge of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), child welfare systems, and related policies and practices.
- Experience working with adolescents impacted by relational trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and/or child abuse.
Benefits and Compensation:
The previously determined salary range for this position is $80,000.00-$90,000.00.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications. The final salary will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Please visit our department website at www.psych.uic.edu. Applicants must apply online at http://jobs.uic.edu and reference Job Requisition 1043353 and submit a CV, cover letter, and three names of references by 11/27/2026. The application review process will start after posting close date and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Social Researcher Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Social Researcher JobsSocial Researcher Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social researcher jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in social science, public policy, sociology, or related field
- Experience designing and administering surveys using tools such as Qualtrics or similar platforms
- Proficiency in quantitative analysis software such as SPSS, Stata, R, or Python
- Experience conducting qualitative research including interviews, focus groups, or ethnographic observation
- Ability to translate research findings into clear written reports and presentations for non-technical audiences
- Familiarity with IRB protocols, research ethics, and human subjects protections
Tips for Your Social Researcher Job Search
Tailor your resume to methods used
Hiring managers scan for specific research methods, qualitative, quantitative, or mixed. Name the exact techniques you've used, such as focus groups, regression analysis, or ethnographic fieldwork, in your experience bullets rather than listing them as generic skills.
Show your data in context
Social researcher resumes often list studies without outcomes. Describe what your research informed, a policy change, a product decision, a program redesign. Reviewers want to see that your findings moved beyond a report and shaped a real decision.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists social researcher openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your methods and sector focus and apply directly to each listing.
Filter by sector before you apply
Social researcher roles vary enormously by sector. Government and nonprofit positions prioritize policy impact and community engagement, while corporate roles weight business applications of behavioral data. Read each job description for the word 'applied' versus 'academic' to gauge fit before spending time on an application.
Prepare a research portfolio or writing sample
Many social researcher interviews include a written exercise or ask for a sample report. Have a one-to-three page excerpt ready that shows your analysis, not just your conclusions. Anonymize client or participant data, but keep your interpretive voice visible.
Negotiate scope alongside salary
Social researcher offers often include discretion on research questions, tools, and publication rights. Before accepting, clarify who owns the findings, whether you can present externally, and which software or database access is included, these affect your long-term development more than base pay alone.
Social Researcher Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most social researchers?
The most active employers for social researchers right now are Honda Research Institute USA, University of Texas at Austin, and Stanford University, and the most openings are in Texas, California, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially consistent at research consulting firms, federal contractors, and large public health organizations.
How many social researcher jobs are remote?
About 53% of social researcher openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting strong adoption of virtual research methods across the field. Roles focused on secondary data analysis, survey programming, and report writing skew most remote, while positions requiring in-person fieldwork, community outreach, or lab-based observation are typically on-site or hybrid.
How do you become a social researcher?
Start by completing a bachelor's degree in a social science discipline such as sociology, psychology, political science, or anthropology, then build hands-on experience through research assistantships, internships, or thesis work. Develop proficiency in both quantitative tools and qualitative methods, assemble writing samples or a research portfolio, and target entry-level analyst or research associate roles to build a track of independent projects.
How do you get hired as a social researcher with little experience?
Focus on roles titled research assistant, research associate, or junior analyst, which are designed for candidates early in their careers. Highlight coursework projects, thesis chapters, or volunteer data collection work as evidence of method competence. Demonstrating familiarity with one or two standard analysis tools and showing a finished written product, even from an academic project, closes the experience gap for many hiring managers.
What does the social researcher interview process look like?
Most social researcher interviews include a phone or video screen focused on your research background, followed by a panel interview with methodological questions about how you design studies, handle data quality issues, and communicate findings. Many employers add a written exercise or take-home analysis task. Final rounds often involve presenting your research sample or walking through a past project with a cross-functional audience.
Where can I find and apply to social researcher jobs?
You can find and apply to social researcher jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. The listings cover roles in government, nonprofits, healthcare, market research, and the private sector, at a range of experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to each listing.
See All 40 Social Researcher Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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