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Academic Research Associate Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Research Associate

Houston, TX

Who we are As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation,Texas A&M ... The Research Associate will conduct cell culture and differentiation experiments, perform ...

ExxonMobil

Post Doctorate Research Associate

Spring, TX · On-site +1

The Associate will support and lead a diverse portfolio of applied research projects aimed at ... The position requires close collaboration with a broad team of industry, academic scientists, and ...

ExxonMobil

Post Doctorate Research Associate

Spring, TX · On-site +1

The Associate will support and lead a diverse portfolio of applied research projects aimed at ... The position requires close collaboration with a broad team of industry, academic scientists, and ...

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All JobsAcademic Research Associate JobsAcademic Research Associate Jobs in Houston, TX

Academic Research Associate information

See Houston, TX salary details

$15

$31

$44

How much do academic research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic research associate in Houston, TX is $31.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an academic research associate?

Academic Research Associates are professionals who support research projects within universities or other educational institutions. Their responsibilities typically include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of papers, presentations, and grant applications. They often work under the supervision of principal investigators or faculty members. This role is critical in advancing knowledge within a specific field and often serves as a stepping stone for those pursuing academic or research-focused careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic research associate?

To thrive as an Academic Research Associate, you need strong analytical skills, research methodology expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD in a related field). Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), academic databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top candidates. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, interpreting data accurately, and contributing effectively to academic projects.

What are some common challenges academic research associates face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Academic Research Associates often juggle several research projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing data collection, literature reviews, and collaboration with faculty or external partners requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. It’s common to encounter competing deadlines, so effective communication with supervisors and team members is key to ensuring projects stay on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular check-ins can help manage workload and maintain high-quality research outcomes.

What is the difference between Academic Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectAcademic Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in related discipline
Work EnvironmentUniversities, academic labs, research institutionsResearch labs, industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and educational institutionsIndustry, government agencies, private sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Academic Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their work environment and typical employer. Academic Research Associates usually work within universities or academic institutions focusing on educational research, while Research Scientists are often employed in industry or government labs working on applied research and product development. Both roles require strong research skills and relevant degrees, but their career paths and daily tasks differ based on their organizational setting.

Is an academic research associate a good career?

An academic research associate is a research-focused role that involves supporting faculty or principal investigators in conducting studies, analyzing data, and preparing reports. It can be a good career for those interested in academia, research methods, and scientific inquiry, often requiring strong analytical skills and familiarity with research tools. Career advancement may include transitioning to senior research roles or pursuing further education such as a Ph.D.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Academic Research jobs in Houston, TX are:

Academic Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Research Associate job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,638 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Research Associate

The Texas A&M University System

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M University Health Science Center
Department
IBT - CGPM - Ramos
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Houston, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who we are
As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.
What we want
The Research Associate supports projects focused on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived airway and lung epithelial models, including region-specific airway basal stem cell and alveolar differentiation, airway and alveolar epithelial maturation, and disease modeling. The Research Associate will conduct cell culture and differentiation experiments, perform downstream molecular, imaging and functional analyses, organize and summarize research data, maintain detailed experimental records, and assist with training students and other laboratory personnel in research techniques and laboratory procedures.
What you need to know
Salary: Will be commensurate based on the selected hire's education and experience.
Location/Schedule: Houston, TX/Full-Time
Apply! Submitting a cover letter, CV/Resume to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.
Responsibilities
Research and Experimental Work
Conduct and coordinate experiments related to human pluripotent stem cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial differentiation and lung disease modeling. Maintain hPSC and differentiated lung epithelial cultures, perform airway basal cell ALI differentiation and maintenance, flow cytometry, immunostaining, microscopy, qPCR, and other molecular and cellular assays. Assist with animal xenograft model experiments in accordance with approved protocols. Maintain detailed experimental records, organize data, evaluate results, troubleshoot protocols, and assist with laboratory equipment operation and maintenance.
Documentation and Data Analysis
Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental results from in vitro differentiation experiments and in vivo xenograft studies. Prepare data summaries, figures, and written materials for laboratory meetings and progress reports. Assist with sample tracking, reagent inventory, protocol documentation, data management, and coordination of sequencing, histology, imaging, or core facility submissions. Support documentation for biosafety, stem cell, and animal research protocols as needed.
Training and Laboratory Coordination
Train and assist students and other laboratory personnel in cell culture, differentiation protocols, laboratory techniques, animal study-related sample processing, data organization, safety procedures, and routine laboratory operations. Help establish and maintain standard operating procedures and quality control practices to support reproducible experiments.
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Two years of related research experience in a biomedical research laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with airway or lung epithelial biology, ALI culture, immunofluorescence staining, microscopy, qPCR, single-cell sequencing sample preparation, and/or animal model support.
  • Prior experience in a stem cell and developmental biology, epithelial biology, or lung disease research laboratory is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Experience with human pluripotent stem cell maintenance and directed differentiation, flow cytometry, and standard molecular or cell biology techniques
  • Knowledge of mammalian cell culture and molecular/cellular biology techniques.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to follow established protocols and troubleshoot experiments.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
  • Ability to maintain accurate and timely laboratory records.
  • Ability to analyze, summarize, and communicate research results.
  • Ability to train and support students and other laboratory personnel.
  • Familiarity with biosafety practices, sterile technique, data organization, laboratory inventory management, and animal research compliance requirements.
  • Ability to assist with animal model-related experimental preparation, monitoring, tissue/sample collection, and downstream analysis under approved protocols.

Why Texas A&M University?
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.
  • Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
  • 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
  • Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
  • Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
  • Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
  • Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
  • Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
  • Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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