Takeover Tracker
43%medium risk

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Higher risk than 88% of occupations
Checking for existing plan...

How AI Impacts Each Task

23 tasks analyzed

Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.

Risk: 67.5%AI: 45.83ObservedTime: 8%

Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

Risk: 72.8%AI: 58.9ObservedTime: 6%

Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.

Risk: 21.0%AI: 15EstimatedTime: 4%

Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.

Risk: 59.0%AI: 80EstimatedTime: 8%

Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 6%

Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.

Risk: 71.6%AI: 55.93ObservedTime: 6%

Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.

Risk: 71.0%AI: 54.6ObservedTime: 4%

Develop and implement research quality control procedures.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 45ObservedTime: 4%

Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.

Risk: 79.2%AI: 75EstimatedTime: 3%

Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.

Risk: 31.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 6%

Conduct internet-based and library research.

Risk: 47.2%AI: 50.6ObservedTime: 6%

Recruit and schedule research participants.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 4%

Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.

Risk: 87.2%AI: 95EstimatedTime: 6%

Present research findings to groups of people.

Risk: 38.3%AI: 58.2ObservedTime: 3%

Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.

Risk: 46.3%AI: 48.18ObservedTime: 4%

Code data in preparation for computer entry.

Risk: 63.6%AI: 36.05ObservedTime: 5%

Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.

Risk: 53.2%AI: 65.45ObservedTime: 4%

Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.

Risk: 83.2%AI: 85EstimatedTime: 3%

Allocate and manage laboratory space and resources.

Risk: 77.2%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 2%

Supervise the work of survey interviewers.

Risk: 27.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 2%

Track laboratory supplies, and expenses such as participant reimbursement.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 2%

Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required.

Risk: 36.0%AI: 52.45ObservedTime: 2%

Collect specimens such as blood samples, as required by research projects.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Service Orientation82%

Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Persuasion80%

Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Social Science Research Assistants skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-7.3pt risk+$3K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Coursera

Creative Writing Specialization

by Wesleyan University

~8 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Writing

Estimated Impact

-5.3pt risk+$3K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Coursera

Inspired Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence

by Case Western Reserve University

32 hours$49/mo4.8Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Adaptability/Flexibility

Estimated Impact

-3.8pt risk+$3K/yr salary

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

Score History

Risk score over 2 scoring runs

+2.5

overall change

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Associate's Degree18%
Bachelor's Degree46%
Master's Degree3%
Doctoral/Professional Degree29%
Level 114%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

1-3 months10%
3-6 months13%
6 months - 1 year22%
1-2 years31%
2-4 years12%
4-6 years12%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None9%
Up to 1 month17%
1-3 months38%
3-6 months19%
6 months - 1 year4%
1-2 years13%

Related News

Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation

1 articles

AI Search Tools Set to Transform Research Scientist Workflows

New AI capabilities are poised to automate the literature review and data discovery phases of scientific research. This shift threatens to commoditize the foundational search skills traditionally required of junior researchers.

r/singularityApr 17

Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis