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Academic Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Academic Research Analyst supports organizational decision-making by analyzing and interpreting data related to IHS programs, partnerships, research outputs, and institutional impact.

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Academic Research information

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$29K

$59.9K

$94K

How much do academic research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic research in the United States is $59,852.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is academic research?

Academic research is a systematic investigation conducted by scholars, students, or professionals to contribute new knowledge or insights within a specific field of study. It involves formulating research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Academic research can take many forms, including experiments, surveys, literature reviews, or theoretical studies, and is typically published in journals or presented at conferences. The goal is to advance understanding, inform policy, or solve complex problems.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the field of academic research, high-paying roles such as research consultants or independent contractors can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with specialized skills or extensive experience. These positions often require advanced knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work independently, but they typically do not require a formal degree if the individual has proven expertise and a solid track record.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in academic research, and how can they be managed?

Academic researchers often navigate challenges such as securing funding, publishing their findings, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and balancing teaching or administrative duties can add complexity to the role. Successful researchers develop strong time management skills, proactively seek feedback, and stay updated on funding opportunities. Building a supportive network within the academic community and being adaptable to evolving research priorities are also essential for long-term success.

Do I need a PhD to be a researcher?

A PhD is often required for research positions in academia and advanced scientific fields, but many research roles in industry, government, or non-profits may only require a master's degree or relevant experience. Skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and familiarity with research tools are also important for research jobs.

What does an academic researcher do?

An academic researcher conducts studies, analyzes data, and develops new knowledge within a specific field of study. They design experiments, review literature, and publish findings, often working in universities or research institutions and using tools like statistical software. Strong analytical skills and a background in research methodologies are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Researcher, you need strong analytical thinking, subject-matter expertise, and a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. Proficiency with research methodologies, statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), and academic publishing tools is typically required. Attention to detail, perseverance, and effective written and verbal communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills enable rigorous research, credible results, and successful dissemination of findings within the academic community.

How to get a job in academic research?

To get a job in academic research, candidates typically need a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in a related field, strong analytical and research skills, and experience with research methodologies and tools like statistical software. Building a strong publication record, networking within academic circles, and applying through university or research institution job portals are also important steps.

What is the difference between Academic Research vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAcademic ResearchLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD often preferredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutes, labsHospitals, industrial labs, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, government researchHealthcare, biotech, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Academic Research involves conducting in-depth studies primarily in educational or government settings, often focusing on advancing knowledge. Laboratory Technicians support these efforts by performing routine lab tasks, experiments, and maintaining equipment. While both roles require scientific knowledge, Academic Researchers typically have advanced degrees and focus on hypothesis-driven research, whereas Laboratory Technicians usually hold technical degrees and assist with day-to-day lab operations.

More about Academic Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Academic Research jobs? Cities with the most Academic Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs? The most popular types of Academic Research jobs are:
What states have the most Academic Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Academic Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Academic Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,852 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Academic Research Analyst (Remote)

ihs

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Academic Research Analyst supports organizational decision-making by analyzing and interpreting data related to IHS programs, partnerships, research outputs, and institutional impact. Reporting to the Director of Academic Research, this role produces structured analyses and written reports that inform strategy, respond to internal and external requests, and support recurring organizational reporting. The Analyst works with both data and internal stakeholders to ensure analytical outputs are accurate, clearly communicated, and aligned with established measurement approaches.

 Supervisory Responsibilities
  • None.
 Duties and ResponsibilitiesProject Intake and Stakeholder Support
  • Complete analytics projects submitted through established intake processes (e.g., Asana), including both rapid-turnaround requests and longer-term analyses.
  • Partner with internal teams (e.g., Programs, Solution Coalitions, Development, Communications/Marketing, and Leadership) and, as applicable, external partners to clarify questions, confirm definitions, and deliver decision-ready outputs.
  • Maintain clear documentation of assumptions, definitions, and methodologies used in recurring or high-use analyses.
Impact Measurement and Reporting
  • Analyze data on IHS activities (e.g., funding programs, conferences, seminars, convenings) and related partner activity to support measurement of effectiveness and impact.
  • Provide recurring reporting metrics and ad hoc reporting support, including manual validation as needed to ensure outputs answer the intended question.
  • Support analysis of scholarly and research outputs across relevant disciplines (e.g., economics, political science, philosophy, law, history) as required for institutional reporting and impact narratives.
Data Preparation and Quality for Analysis
  • Extract, organize, and prepare datasets from CRM and other data systems for analysis and reporting.
  • Validate analytical datasets and outputs for accuracy and consistency; identify data limitations and caveats and communicate them clearly to stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with the appropriate data owner(s) when data issues affect reporting accuracy or analytical reliability.
Tools, Process Improvement, and Analytical Development
  • Identify opportunities to improve analysis workflows (e.g., repeatable queries, templates, dashboards, or lightweight automation) in coordination with the Director of Business Intelligence.
  • Learn and apply additional analytical tools as needed (e.g., SQL, Python, R, Tableau or comparable tools, as well as artificial intelligence) to improve efficiency and analytical quality.
 Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social science, economics, public policy, statistics, data analytics, or comparable discipline).
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis and produce clear written analytical outputs (professional, academic, or equivalent experience).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain findings to non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to manage multiple requests, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a high-demand environment.
  • Ability to evaluate information from multiple sources, reconcile inconsistencies, and document assumptions.
  • Proficiency in Excel; experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
 Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework or experience in statistics, quantitative methods, or program evaluation.
  • Experience working with nonprofit, academic, or research datasets and/or impact measurement.
  • Familiarity with SQL, Python, R, or similar tools used for analysis and reporting.
  • Familiarity with academic research environments and classical liberal ideas.