Research Analyst

Texas State University

San Marcos (TX)

On-site

USD 51,000 - 73,000

Full time

33 hours ago

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Job summary

Texas State University’s Texas School Safety Center seeks a Social Science Researcher to conduct scholarly research focused on school safety and security. The role involves design, data collection, mixed-methods analysis, and dissemination to stakeholders, with opportunities to contribute to reports, grant proposals, and publications.

The position is office-based in San Marcos, TX, requiring a Master’s degree and several years of applied research experience, plus strong writing and collaboration

Qualifications

Master’s degree in criminology, education, psychology, sociology, public policy, or related field.
At least three years of professional experience conducting applied social science or educational research.
Experience designing and applying social science research methodologies.
Experience developing data collection instruments (surveys, interview protocols, rubrics) including managing surveys with Qualtrics.
Experience applying quantitative techniques (e.g., regression, ANOVA) using SPSS.
Experience with qualitative analysis and NVivo.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Design methodologies to address topics related to school safety and security.
Conduct literature reviews on topics related to school safety and security.
Design and administer data collection procedures (surveys, focus groups, interview protocols).
Perform rigorous mixed-methods analysis, combining quantitative and qualitative data.
Disseminate findings to researchers and practitioners clearly in writing and presentations.
Develop reports, scholarly articles, grant proposals, and conference presentations.

Skills

Applied social science research

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis

Survey design

IRB processes

Attention to detail

Education

Master’s Degree in criminology, education, psychology, sociology, public policy, or related field

Tools

SPSS

NVivo

Qualtrics

Job description

Job Opportunities at Texas State University

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is an office-based role in San Marcos, Texas.
You will be required to electronically attach a resume, cover letter, and one example of your academic, technical, and/or public policy writing to the application.
In your resume and cover letter, please discuss specific experiences that demonstrate the required and, when applicable to your background, preferred qualifications for this role.
Occasional travel for data collection, conferences, and/or meetings required.
If selected for an interview, it will be conducted in person. During the interview process, you will be required to independently complete tasks involving writing and the application of knowledge about research methodologies, project design, and/or analytical strategies.

Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number 2026757

Posting/Functional Title

Posting/Functional Title Social Science Researcher

University Pay Plan Title

Location

Location San Marcos

Department

Department Texas School Safety Center

Recruitment Type

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Funding Source

Funding Source Permanent

Monthly Salary

Monthly Salary $4,250-$6,117

Job Category

Job Category Exempt

Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.

Master’s Degree in criminology, education, psychology, sociology, public policy, or related field.
A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience conducting applied social science research or educational research.
Demonstrated experience designing and applying social science research methodologies.
Demonstrated experience developing data collection instruments for social sciences (e.g., surveys, interview protocols, or rubrics, etc.), including managing surveys with standard survey software (e.g., Qualtrics).
Demonstrated experience applying quantitative social science techniques (e.g., regression, ANOVA , etc.) using software packages (e.g., SPSS ).
Demonstrated experience with qualitative analysis techniques and software packages (e.g., NVivo).
Highly attentive to detail and organization.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience conducting research directly related to educational environments.
Five (5) or more years of professional experience conducting applied social science research or educational research.
Documented educational training or research experience related to one or more of the following fields: mental health in school-aged children, youth involvement in school safety, school-based law enforcement, or behavioral threat assessments.
Demonstrated experience in technical, public policy, and/or legislative writing (outside of work related to academic degree).
Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following techniques: meta-analysis, advanced statistical sampling, and survey validation.
Experience navigating Institutional Review Board ( IRB ) processes and human subjects protection protocols in educational or community settings.
Documented authorship in peer-reviewed journal(s).
Documented experience writing grant proposals.
Demonstrated knowledge of Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code.
Demonstrated experience working with external collaborators and/or research participants on projects not associated with course work.

Job Description

The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is an official university-level research center at Texas State University. The TxSSC is tasked in Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code and the Governor’s Homeland Security Strategic Plan with key school safety initiatives and mandates. The TxSSC serves as the clearinghouse for the dissemination of safety and security information through research, training, and technical assistance for K-12 schools and junior colleges throughout the state of Texas. As a result, Texas has become a national leader in school safety practices and is relied upon for assistance and guidance from jurisdictions throughout the nation.

The TxSSC welcomes highly qualified candidates to apply for a Social Science Researcher position in the Research and Evaluation (R&E) Division. The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct scholarly research focused on school safety and security. The R&E Division is currently involved in projects connected to leadership and incident command during emergency situations, security personnel on school campuses, emergency planning for students, gun storage practices, teacher victimization, and school behavioral threat assessment.

The successful candidate will expand the capabilities of the TxSSC and have the unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative team who support each other in project conceptualization, study design, field implementation (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods), analysis, and dissemination of research and evaluation findings to various stakeholder groups. All research and evaluation efforts aim to ensure that schools and communities across Texas are safe, secure, and healthy learning environments.

Job Duties

Design appropriate methodologies to address topics related to school safety and security.
Conduct literature reviews on topics related to school safety and security.
Design and administer data collection procedures including surveys, focus groups, and interview protocols, as well as other appropriate data collection procedures.
Conduct rigorous mixed-methods analysis, synthesizing quantitative survey results with qualitative narrative data.
Stay current on innovative social science research methodologies and field-based data collection strategies.
Disseminate information clearly and concisely in verbal and written formats to a variety of stakeholders including researchers and practitioners.
Develop and contribute to written reports for internal and external stakeholders, scholarly articles for peer-reviewed journals, grant proposals for private and government entities, scholarly presentations for national and state conferences, and other research-related products.
Organize project materials by keeping detailed records to ensure research activities are well-documented.
Provide training and support for other team members on qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques.
Assist in survey administration, sample design, and dataset curation for annual statewide surveys and TxSSC trainings and events as needed; assist with training evaluations and yearly assessments of programs and activities as needed.
Provide technical support to school stakeholders and internal staff in a professional manner.
Work collaboratively and professionally with all divisions of the TxSSC.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information to Applicants

This position is an office-based role in San Marcos, Texas.
You will be required to electronically attach a resume, cover letter, and one example of your academic, technical, and/or public policy writing to the application.
In your resume and cover letter, please discuss specific experiences that demonstrate the required and, when applicable to your background, preferred qualifications for this role.
Occasional travel for data collection, conferences, and/or meetings required.
If selected for an interview, it will be conducted in person. During the interview process, you will be required to independently complete tasks involving writing and the application of knowledge about research methodologies, project design, and/or analytical strategies.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/26/2026

Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)

Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight) 09/20/2026

Open Until Filled No

Normal Work Days

Normal Work Hours Start 8:00AM

Normal Work Hours End 5:00PM

Posting Notices

Legal and Required Notices

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.
Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.

Why Choose Texas State University?

Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job—it’s a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you’ll enjoy:

Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.
Generous Time Off: Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support your personal well-being.
Professional Growth: Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.
Welcoming Campus: Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks.

Tuition Benefits: Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.
Retirement Security: Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.

At Texas State University, you’re not just an employee—you’re a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today. https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html