Social Science Research, Director

American Institute of Physics Incorporated•College Park, MD

16h•$122,828 - $135,111•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Social Science Research is a senior leadership position within our research team, responsible for leading social science research initiatives focused on understanding and strengthening the physical sciences enterprise. Working closely with the Chief Research Officer, the Director leads a multidisciplinary team of social scientists, data scientists, survey researchers, and research analysts conducting research on higher education, workforce pathways, scientific communities, participation and opportunity, scientific societies, and the conditions that shape scientific progress. The Director oversees a portfolio that includes longstanding longitudinal surveys, annual research agenda projects, externally funded initiatives, and strategically aligned contract research. Through this work, the Director helps generate actionable insights for AIP Member Organizations, researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and the broader scientific community. This role offers the opportunity to steward and evolve one of the longest-running social science research programs focused on the scientific enterprise in the United States. The Director will lead a team of nine researchers, oversee a research portfolio with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.5 million, and help shape the next generation of research on the future of the physical sciences enterprise.

Requirements

Significant experience leading social science research projects using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
Expertise in research design, survey methodology, data analysis, and communicating research findings to diverse audiences.
Experience managing complex research portfolios with multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders.
Experience leading, mentoring, and developing research teams in a collaborative environment.
Experience managing budgets, resources, and research operations.
Demonstrated ability to lead change, build organizational capacity, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ability to connect research to broader organizational, community, and societal priorities.
Experience translating complex analyses into actionable insights that inform decision-making.
Proven success securing external funding through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or sponsored research.
Experience developing competitive proposals, project budgets, and collaborative partnerships.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills with academic, philanthropic, professional, and policy audiences.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of higher education, workforce development, scientific societies, or the broader research enterprise is highly desirable.
Ph.D. or other advanced degree in sociology, education, economics, public policy, higher education, social science research, or a related field.
Familiarity with scientific societies, nonprofit research organizations, foundations, government agencies, or other mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

Leads the social science research portfolio, including annual research agenda projects, longitudinal studies, externally funded initiatives, and strategic contract research.
Oversees and evolves surveys, studies, and data assets to ensure their continued relevance and value to the physical sciences community.
Identifies emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities and develops research that informs decision-making across the scientific enterprise.
Leads a multidisciplinary team of approximately nine researchers, data scientists, and analysts.
Oversees an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million and ensures the effective allocation of staff, contractor, and financial resources.
Fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture that supports professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Serves as AIP’s senior authority on social science research methodology, guiding the design and execution of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies.
Ensures research activities are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with best practices.
Produces actionable insights that support Member Organizations, researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Represents AIP as a visible leader in the research community through publications, presentations, webinars, reports, and other forums.
Builds relationships with scientific societies, institutional leaders, funders, and external partners while advancing the visibility, relevance, and impact of AIP’s research.
Cultivates strategic partnerships with Member Organizations, collaborators, funders, and other stakeholders.
Works closely with the Chief Research Officer and Grants & Development Office to pursue funding, partnership, and growth opportunities that strengthen the reach, sustainability, and long-term impact of AIP’s research portfolio.