Research Assistant/Associate (Rural Sociology)

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, invites applications for a two-year limited-term Research Assistant/Associate role in the College of Agriculture. The successful candidate will support planning, maintenance, and execution of research projects, travel to data collection sites across Alabama, and may assist in preparing results for publication and conference presentations.

The position requires fundamental research knowledge and compliance with applicable policies, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in content specific area of research.
• Master’s degree in content specific area of research with 2–6 years of related experience for progression.
• Substitutions allowed for experience per policy: education can count toward experience.

Responsibilities

• Assists in development of project proposals, plans and protocols.
• Conducts routine experiments and investigations to generate new knowledge.
• Manage equipment, materials, and labor needs for projects.
• Assist with qualitative and quantitative social science data collection and analysis.
• Collect data/samples and record, process, and analyze results.
• Prepare results for publication or conference presentations; literature reviews may be involved.
• May supervise students or others' research in area of expertise.

Skills

Data collection

Research methods

Laboratory skills

Statistical analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in content specific area of research

Master’s degree in content specific area of research

Job description

Overview

This is a two-year limited-term position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding.

The College of Agriculture is excited to launch a search for its next Research Assistant/Associate!

The individual selected for this role will assist researchers with planning, maintaining, and completing research programs and projects focused on the discovery of new knowledge, techniques, and concepts. This position requires fundamental scientific and research knowledge, skills, and abilities and is responsible for performing duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

This position will include regularly scheduled travel to data collection sites across Alabama, with the possibility of some out of state travel for data collection or research meetings.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development of project proposals, plans and protocols.
• Conducts routine or fundamental experiments, investigations and/or studies related to programs and projects in pursuit of new knowledge, techniques and concepts.
• Assists with logistical considerations to include equipment, materials, and labor needs.
• Assist with both qualitative and quantitative social science data collection and analysis.
• Collects data/samples related to others' research and in routine cases.
• Records, compiles, processes and analyzes data/samples.
• Documents results and observations in writing as well as presenting results to others.
• May assist in the preparation of research results for publication or presentation at conferences to include assisting in literature reviews and assisting in the writing of results and discussions.
• May instruct students and/or supervise others' research in area of expertise.

Qualifications

Research Assistant

Level I:

• Bachelor's degree in content specific area of research.

Level II:

• Bachelor's degree in content specific area of research and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level III:

• Bachelor's degree in content specific area of research and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level IV:

• Bachelor's degree in content specific area of research and 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Research Associate

Level I:

• Master's degree in content specific area of research.

Level II:

• Master's degree in content specific area of research and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level III:

• Master's degree in content specific area of research and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level IV:

• Master's degree in content specific area of research and 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Scope of Education:

• Rural Sociology, social sciences, agriculture, economics, business, political science, community, development, evaluation, or forestry/wildlife sciences.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid U.S. driver's license required.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Contract Type

Limited Term

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

7/30/2026