Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)
Department/Organization: 204671 - Institute for Soc Sciences Res
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.
Job Summary: The Research Specialist works with departmental staff to design and conduct research projects.
Additional Department Summary: The Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR) at The University of Alabama advances rigorous and applied social science research that addresses pressing societal issues. ISSR collaborates with state and local agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations across Alabama and the U.S. to design and conduct evaluations that inform decision-making, improve programs, and measure impact.
The Research Specialist plays a vital role in supporting ISSR’s mission by integrating scientific rigor with practical application, ensuring that research translates into actionable solutions for communities and organizations.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.
Skills and Knowledge: Ability to design surveys, interviews, or focus groups and analyze resulting data. Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills, including the ability to present technical data to non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in a social science field. Experience conducting program evaluation, applied research, or policy analysis. Experience preparing grant proposals, peer-reviewed publications, or technical reports. Content expertise in one or more of the following: public health, mental health, education, AI, economic development, or other social science-related issues.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
