Research Specialist I, II, or Senior Research Specialist

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website Research Specialist I, II, or Senior Research Specialist Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Research Specialist I, II, or Senior Research Specialist

Department

Department Public Policy Center-1525

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260661

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/18/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 09/03/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

Work with dynamic teams on variety of public policy projects, including those in behavioral health, public participation, and other applied social sciences endeavors. Will conduct and facilitate research, coordinate projects and stakeholder involvement processes, design survey instruments, collect and analyze data, assist with writing reports, and present findings that impact state, local and federal policy. Some travel required.
Please note:
Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Minimum Required Qualifications

Research Specialist I:
Bachelor’s degree plus one (1) year of experience researching and presenting policy reports. Knowledge of and experience with community and statewide public policy issues. Outstanding verbal, interpersonal, planning, and writing skills; the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with national, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders; the ability to multitask and perform assigned tasked quickly and accurately.

Research Specialist II:
Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of experience researching and presenting policy reports. Knowledge of and experience with community and statewide public policy issues. Outstanding verbal, interpersonal, planning, and writing skills; the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with national, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders; the ability to multitask and perform assigned tasked quickly and accurately.

Senior Research Specialist:
Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years of experience researching and presenting policy reports.

Experience with project administration. Knowledge of and experience with community and statewide public policy issues. Outstanding verbal, interpersonal, planning, and writing skills required; the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with national, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders; the ability to multitask and perform assigned tasked quickly and accurately.

All applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Research Specialist I:
Demonstrated experience working with policy makers and other stakeholders, problem solving and decision making, working independently with minimal supervision, keeping supervisor and internal team members informed, and providing excellent customer relations. Ability to: translate academic research to accessible quality policy reports; quickly master a range of content areas; coordinate a wide variety of projects. Excellent written communication and analytic skills.

Knowledge of behavioral health, public participation processes, and/or social sciences applied research preferred.

Ability and flexibility to perform other tasks as assigned.

Research Specialist II:
Master’s degree. Demonstrated experience working with policy makers and other stakeholders, problem solving and decision making, working independently with minimal supervision, keeping supervisor and internal team members informed, and providing excellent customer relations. Ability to: translate academic research to accessible quality policy reports; quickly master a range of content areas; coordinate a wide variety of projects. Excellent written communication and analytic skills.

Knowledge of behavioral health, public participation processes, and/or social