Social Science Research Assistant

The Social and Economic Analysis Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Fort Collins, Colorado, is looking for a research assistant to support multiple projects related to Earth observations (EO) / remote sensing / geospatial data (from here on EO). This includes economic valuation, societal benefits of EO, environmental communication, and underserved / underrepresented EO.

The research assistant will provide support for projects investigating decision-making, uses, users, and value of EO. Key tasks include: identifying, obtaining, synthesizing, and reviewing interdisciplinary literature from a range of fields such as EO, economic valuation / societal benefits, environmental communication, underserved / underrepresented EO; and producing written summaries of these literature reviews. The projects involve collecting information on EO imagery applications and communicating the scientific and societal value of EO. Additional duties may include analyzing qualitative and / or quantitative data, interpreting results, and contributing to government reports or other means of disseminating results.

The Social and Economic Analysis Branch is a dynamic, collegial group of social scientists and economists providing applied social science for a range of government agencies. The research assistant will have the opportunity to interact with project partners from other institutions and government agencies.

The research assistant must have:

 At least a bachelor’s degree in a social science, environmental science, earth science, or related field.

 Experience conducting social science or environmental science research.

 Demonstrated ability to conduct interdisciplinary literature reviews.

 Excellent writing ability.

Our preferred candidate will have:

Experience with social science, Earth observations, or interdisciplinary research.

Experience with any of the following: qualitative or quantitative social science research methods; interview studies; case studies; document analysis; network analysis; NVIVO, SPSS, or R software; outreach or communication methods; and interdisciplinary research environments.

Community engagement experience with underserved / underrepresented communities.

A U.S. driver’s license as operation of a Government vehicle may be required.

This position is a USGS Student Services contract position. This means:

 Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

 Applicants must either have graduated within the past year or be currently enrolled as a student.

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For all legal purposes, student is regarded as an independent contractor. Payments for services are reportable and taxable as earned income. No Federal, State, or Local income taxes will be deducted. No Social Security or Medicare taxes will be deducted. Student is responsible for payment of all taxes. The U.S. Geological Survey will report the total amount paid under this order to the Internal Revenue Service on a Standard Form 1099. The student is not considered an employee and will not receive a W-2 form.

This is a full-time position and begins on or around July 7, 2023 with some flexibility for an earlier start date. The Social Science Research Assistant position does qualify for remote work with supervisor approval. Currently, one year of funding is available for this position. Additional time may be allocated based on availability of funding and performance evaluations.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial), and a writing sample demonstrating your ability to synthesize social science or environmental science literature by 8:00 am (MDT) Monday, May 29, 2023.

The Social Science Research Assistant position does qualify for remote work with supervisor approval.