• Job #: 2027-09
• TWC Job #: 17087896
• Opening Date: 10/26/2026
• Travel Required: N/A
• Monthly Salary: $5,416.67 – $6,250.00
• Position Location: Austin, TX
• Group Step: B20 – B22
• Class: 0604 – 0606
• Status: Open

Research Specialist – Austin, Texas

The Office of the Governor is looking for a Research Specialist (Research Specialist III-IV) to work in the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC).

Who We Are

The Office of the Governor works to build a healthier, safer, freer, and more prosperous future for all Texans. We are located primarily within the Texas State Capitol Complex in Austin.

What You’ll Earn

The salary is $5,416.67 – $6,250.00 a month ($65,000.04 – $75,000.00 a year).

Benefits include medical insurance, sick leave, and vacation leave. Also, State of Texas employees are eligible for a defined retirement plan. Learn more: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

What You’ll Do

This position performs complex to highly complex (journey to senior-level) research and program evaluation. Work involves consultation on research design and the development, implementation, and monitoring of specialized research projects for the Council. Projects may include work pertaining to program evaluation, administrative or policy issues, demographics of target populations, and labor market analyses.

• Prepares research data sets and document data structure and definitions.
• Consults on research design, planning, instrumentation, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Serves as primary author in the preparation of reports and research findings.
• Determines the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated.
• Determines and develops policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research, demonstration, and evaluation activities.
• Develops data quality assurance procedures and conducts quality assurance and data integrity reviews on research projects.
• Consults and provides technical advice on research methods and techniques.
• Designs and creates computer programs for research applications.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes research data.
• Prepares all project related documentation, including but not limited to logic models, evaluation plans, surveys, and questionnaires, as well as formative and summative reports based on research findings.
• Formulates and monitors long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities.
• Prepares and provides presentations for the Council, professional organizations, governmental entities, and the public.
• May use statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets.

How You’ll Qualify

Research Specialist III

• High school graduate or equivalent; and

• Three (3) years of professional experience in directing research and planning work.

Research Specialist IV

• High school graduate or equivalent; and

• Four (4) years of professional experience in directing research and planning work.

You’re a Great Fit with

• An advanced degree;
• Advanced writing skills;
• Experience in program evaluation, and the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, including large data sets; and
• Experience in using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), American Community Survey (ACS) and census data.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis. Salary and position level will be based on experience and demonstrated skills. Research writing samples will be required at interview.

How to Apply

To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and resume, and apply online at www.workintexas.com. Paper applications and resumes are not accepted in person or via email.

Veterans

Veterans, Reservists, or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor’s Office.

Submit a separate application and resume for each position that you are qualified.

In Work in Texas, search for Office of the Governor job postings by the “Agency Job ID” listed as “Job #” on the position description – or – using the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) assigned posting ID number, listed as “TWC job number” on the position description.