Research Specialist I or II

Position Information

Working Title:

Research Specialist I or II

Department:
Public Policy Center-1525

Requisition Number: S_260397

Posting Open Date: 05/28/2026

Application Review Date: 06/15/2026

Work with dynamic teams on a variety of public policy projects including behavioral health, public participation, and other applied social science endeavors.

Responsibilities include conducting and facilitating research, coordinating projects and stakeholder involvement processes, designing survey instruments, collecting and analyzing data, assisting with writing reports, and presenting findings that impact state, local, and federal policy. Some travel required.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• 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.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with national, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask and perform assigned tasks 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.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with national, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask and perform assigned tasks quickly and accurately.

• Research Specialist I:
  • Demonstrated experience working with policymakers and other stakeholders.
  • Problem solving and decision making.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Keep supervisor and internal team members informed.
  • Provide excellent customer relations.
  • 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.
  • Ability and flexibility to perform other tasks as assigned.
• Research Specialist II:
  • Master’s degree.
  • Demonstrated experience working with policymakers and other stakeholders.
  • Problem solving and decision making.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Keep supervisor and internal team members informed.
  • Provide excellent customer relations.
  • 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.
  • Ability and flexibility to perform other tasks as assigned.

• Valid driver’s license required; must meet University driver eligibility requirements.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required; subject to DOT approved pre‑employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
• Criminal history background check required.
• Posted salary: RS I $44,700/yr minimum; RS II $53,600/yr minimum.