🔴 Status: OPEN | Kansas City, MO | Source: USAJOBS.gov
USDA Research Social Scientist Jobs 2026 — Economic Research Service | Apply Now
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Economic Research Service (ERS), is hiring Research Social Scientists for 2026 at its Kansas City, Missouri office. This is one of the most prestigious research careers in the federal government, offering positions from GS-12 through GS-15 — with salaries ranging from $90,968 to $195,469 per year and full promotion potential to the GS-15 senior level.
USDA’s Economic Research Service is the federal government’s primary source of economic research on agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America. As a Research Social Scientist at ERS, you will produce high-impact, nationally recognized research that directly informs US food policy, rural development programs, and public health decisions at the highest levels of government.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Research Social Scientist |
| Agency | USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) |
| Department | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Job Announcement Number | ERS-DHA26TAB-12944090-CF |
| Control Number | 866277000 |
| Location | Kansas City, MO (805 Pennsylvania Ave) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-12 through GS-15 |
| Salary Range | $90,968 – $195,469 per year |
| Promotion Potential | GS-15 (highest non-SES grade) |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens Only |
| Job Series | GS-0101 Social Science |
| Security Clearance | Background Investigation Required |
| Travel Required | Occasional |
| Telework Eligible | No |
| Remote | No |
| Supervisory Status | No |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As a Research Social Scientist at USDA’s Economic Research Service, you will conduct original, policy-relevant economic and social research on issues including rural community health, childhood nutrition, food security, agricultural economics, demographic change, and rural economic performance.
ERS is widely recognized as one of the most intellectually rigorous research agencies in the federal government. Your work will be published in peer-reviewed outlets, USDA reports, and policy briefs that directly shape legislation, federal programs, and national food and agriculture policy. This is a rare opportunity to combine the stability of a federal career with the intellectual depth of a university-level research environment.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct original, independent economic and social science research on topics including rural economy, food security, nutrition policy, agricultural markets, and community health
- Coordinate and analyze complex datasets to support policy development and enhance rural community health outcomes
- Develop research designs, methodologies, and analytical frameworks for large-scale social science studies
- Author peer-reviewed publications, USDA economic reports, market outlooks, and policy briefs for public and government audiences
- Present research findings at national conferences, congressional briefings, and interagency meetings
- Collaborate with economists, statisticians, and policy analysts across USDA and partner agencies
- Monitor and analyze trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food systems, rural development, and the environment
- Develop and maintain large economic databases, survey instruments, and analytical tools
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and analysts
- Respond to data requests from Congress, the White House, and public stakeholders
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s Degree — mandatory (see below) |
| Required Fields | Behavioral or Social Sciences, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Demography, Sociology, Geography, Public Health, or related discipline |
| Advanced Degree | Master’s or PhD strongly preferred for GS-13 and above |
| Education Substitution | Combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge of behavioral/social sciences may substitute |
⚠️ Important: A full 4-year degree in behavioral or social science or a related discipline is a basic requirement for this position — experience alone cannot substitute at entry.
Specialized Experience by Grade
| Grade | Salary Range | Required Specialized Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GS-12 | $90,968 – $118,261/yr | 1 year at GS-11: authoring scientific publications or internal research reports; sharing research via presentations; communicating with teams on research design and data analysis |
| GS-13 | $108,084 – $140,713/yr | 1 year at GS-12: independently designing and conducting research studies; coordinating and analyzing data for policy development; presenting findings to senior officials |
| GS-14 | $127,819 – $166,163/yr | 1 year at GS-13: leading complex multi-year research projects; publishing in peer-reviewed journals; providing expert consultation to senior leadership |
| GS-15 | $150,354 – $195,469/yr | 1 year at GS-14: nationally recognized subject matter expert; directing research programs; advising at the national policy level |
Other Requirements
- US Citizenship: Required — no exceptions
- Background Investigation: Full federal background check required
- Drug Test: Required
- Resume Limit: Resume must not exceed 2 pages — ERS strictly enforces this requirement
- Transcripts: Must submit college transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable) if using education to qualify
- Direct Hire Authority: This position may be filled under Direct Hire Authority — competitive procedures may not apply
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $90,968 – $195,469/yr (GS-12 to GS-15) |
| Locality Pay | Kansas City locality pay included |
| Promotion Potential | GS-15 — highest non-SES grade in federal service |
| Health Insurance | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) |
| Dental & Vision | Federal Employees Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| TSP (401k equivalent) | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching |
| Paid Leave | 13–26 days vacation + 13 days sick leave per year |
| Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Life Insurance | Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
| Research Freedom | Conduct independent, peer-reviewed research with full academic integrity |
| Publication Rights | Publish research under USDA/ERS banner — nationally distributed |
| Professional Development | Funded conference attendance, training, and continuing education |
| Career Stability | Permanent federal appointment with full civil service protections |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create a free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Prepare your federal resume — maximum 2 pages (ERS strictly enforces this limit — include education, relevant experience, publications, and research areas)
Step 3 — Prepare college transcripts (unofficial copies accepted — must include your name and course information)
Step 4 — Search for Announcement #ERS-DHA26TAB-12944090-CF or apply directly: www.usajobs.gov/job/866277000
Step 5 — Complete the online questionnaire and submit all required documents including resume and transcripts
Step 6 — If selected, complete background investigation and pre-employment screening
⚠️ Important: ERS enforces a strict 2-page resume limit — applications with longer resumes may be disqualified. Tailor your resume to highlight social science research experience, publications, and data analysis skills. All applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible for 5-point or 10-point hiring preference on this position. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional preference. Veterans with backgrounds in military intelligence, data analysis, or social research are especially competitive. Note: If this position is filled under Direct Hire Authority, veterans’ preference procedures may not apply — check the announcement for the current hiring method.
About USDA Economic Research Service (ERS)
The USDA Economic Research Service is the federal government’s principal agency for economic research on agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America. Founded in 1961, ERS employs a highly trained staff of economists and social scientists who produce timely, objective research used by Congress, the President, and public and private decision-makers nationwide. ERS research covers childhood obesity, global food security, agricultural market trends, rural economic development, health and nutrition programs, and bioenergy policy. The agency’s Kansas City office is part of USDA’s mission to serve rural America from the heartland. A career at ERS combines the intellectual rigor of academic research with the mission-driven purpose of public service.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov/job/866277000. We are not affiliated with USDA, ERS, or any US government agency.
Sources:
- Research Social Scientist – USAJOBS #866277000
- Careers at ERS – USDA Economic Research Service
- About ERS – USDA Economic Research Service
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