Assistant Research Scientist

Application deadline: 9/7/2026

https://lnkd.in/gYhSvu-2

The University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan invites applications for an Assistant Research Scientist in its University of Michigan Survey Research Center (SRC). The Assistant Research Scientist will join the faculty of the Survey Methodology Program (SMP) within SRC, serve as an expert sampling statistician on multiple SRC projects, and contribute to the writing of original journal articles and research proposals. As the world’s largest academic social science survey and research organization, the Institute for Social Research (isr.umich.edu) is a leader in developing and applying new social science methods. The Institute’s Survey Research Center (https://src.isr.umich.edu/) conducts investigator-initiated, survey-based research on theoretical and applied problems of both social and scientific importance. 

The Assistant Research Scientist will be responsible for sample design and implementation on multiple national survey research projects; providing technical consultation and support to ongoing projects, both internal and external to SRC, in the form of sample design, weight development, development of data collection protocols, and survey data analysis; developing technical papers and/or publications documenting methodological issues of interest to the survey and data science community; and participating in design and field monitoring activities. The scientist will also prepare and collaborate on proposals for funded research related to survey methodology, sampling, and data science; develop a related scholarly research agenda; and provide, as needed, supervision to project staff.

Required Qualifications

This Assistant Research Scientist position requires: 

• a Ph.D. in survey methodology, statistics, or related quantitative social science fields;
• at least 5 years of experience in the development and execution of a wide range of sample designs, including complex area-probability samples, for domestic and international clients;
• technical expertise in developing post-survey statistical adjustment procedures;
• a demonstrated interest in methodological research as evidenced by a scholarly publication record; 
• experience analyzing complex sample survey data; 
• a track record of providing technical support to sponsored survey research projects; 
• programming skills (e.g., R, Python, SAS, IVEware);
• experience supervising project staff; and
• strong written, oral and statistical skills.

Desired Qualifications

This Assistant Research Scientist position desires applicants with the following traits: 

• demonstrated evidence of providing service to the broader field of survey methodology via engagement with relevant professional associations (e.g., AAPOR, JSM, RSS);
• demonstrated evidence of editorial service as a reviewer of manuscripts submitted to journals that are relevant to the broader field;
• a track record of teaching prior workshops and courses in sampling, survey methods, and statistics; 
• a track record of disseminating research via oral presentations at professional conferences on survey methods; and
• prior evidence of holding leadership positions in the field.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position; a curriculum vitae; a statement of their scholarly and research activities; a teaching statement; 2-3 recent publications; and the names and contact information of three (3) references. Inquiries can be sent to srcsearches@umich.edu.

Additional Information

The position is a year-round (12-month) appointment located in Ann Arbor, MI. The position is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027, but may begin sooner. Applications are due September 9, 2026.

The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.