Social Science Researcher (Temporary Full-time)

Weekly Work Hours

Compensation Range

Salary Minimum

FLSA

Position Type

This is a temporary full-time position with an anticipated ending date of February 28, 2026.

Position Summary
The Social Science Researcher will contribute to original research projects at Dallas College to support student access, success, and satisfaction; graduate satisfaction and success; institutional climate; and satisfaction among external stakeholders. The Social Science Researcher will collaborate with the Dean, team members, and stakeholders to design and execute projects. The incumbent will conduct background research and data analysis and support the construction or selection of qualitative and quantitative protocols and instruments for current projects. The Social Science Research will conduct analysis and translate findings for inclusion in publications through multiple channels and for supporting internal and external stakeholder decisions and actions.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of survey and other quantitative instrument construction and administration techniques.

• Experience with statistical analysis software.

• Experience with qualitative analysis software.

• Knowledge of best practices in data presentation and visualization.

• Experience supporting the production of research reports for a variety of purposes and stakeholder audiences.

• Experience with constructing, managing, interacting with, and analyzing large data sets.

• Knowledge of the action research framework and experience supporting elements within the framework.

• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders through multiple channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts background research - literature reviews, exploratory data analysis, subject expert interviews, e.g. - to inform the design of original research.

• Collaborates with team members and internal and external stakeholders to design and carry out original research projects in areas such as student access and success, student satisfaction, program need, transfer success, graduate satisfaction and employment, employer satisfaction, and institutional climate.

• Supports the process of writing qualitative research protocols.

• Contributes to the construction and administration of surveys and other quantitative instruments that meet requirements for validity and reliability.

• Applies research findings to support decision-making processes and change initiatives across the College and affiliated partner organizations.

• Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data generated by background research and outputs of original research.

• Participates in the authorship of reports of research findings to be disseminated to internal and external stakeholders for the purpose of driving action and informing policy.

• Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.

• Performs other related tasks as required.

Physical Requirements
Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a social science or education with coursework in research methods and data analysis, master's preferred.

• Official transcripts required.

• Two (2) years of experience working with analytics, data management, and research in higher education or related field.

• Expertise in quantitative or qualitative research methods and data analysis, dual expertise preferred.

• Must have valid driver's license.

• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.

*** Will be subject to criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three (3) million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. We recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to our success. We are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments: Design and implement research methodologies to evaluate social programs, policies, and interventions.
• Data collection and analysis: Gather qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, interviews, and other methods; analyze data using statistical software.
• Report writing and presentation: Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and academic audiences.
• Collaborative research: Work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate assessment findings into broader research projects and initiatives.
• Ethical considerations: Ensure all research activities comply with ethical standards and guidelines, including informed consent and confidentiality.
• Continuous improvement: Knowledgeable of the latest assessment techniques and methodologies in social science research.