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Associate Researcher Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Senior - R&D Tax Credits

Houston, TX · On-site

$87K - $146K/yr

CLA is growing and seeking to hire a Senior Associate - R&D Tax Credits to join our talented Federal Tax Strategies (FTS) team. The position offers growth, flexibility and a collaborative work ...

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center Department Ibt Center For Translational Cancer Research Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location ...

Senior - R&D Tax Credits

Houston, TX · On-site

$87K - $146K/yr

CLA is growing and seeking to hire a Senior Associate - R&D Tax Credits to join our talented Federal Tax Strategies (FTS) team. The position offers growth, flexibility and a collaborative work ...

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Associate Researcher information

See Houston, TX salary details

$27.2K

$102.4K

$148.9K

How much do associate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate researcher in Houston, TX is $102,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $139,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Associate Researcher, you need a strong background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in your field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (like SPSS or R), and research management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication help you collaborate and contribute meaningful insights to research projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing valid, reliable results and advancing the goals of research teams.

What are some common challenges associate researchers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Associate Researchers often juggle several projects at once, which can be challenging in terms of time management and prioritization. Balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis requires strong organizational skills. Proactive communication with supervisors and collaborators is essential to manage expectations and address any bottlenecks early. Utilizing project management tools and regularly updating progress can help alleviate these challenges and keep research activities on track.

What is an associate researcher?

Associate Researchers are professionals who assist in conducting scientific studies, experiments, or investigations in a specific field. They typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator or senior researcher, helping with data collection, analysis, and documentation. Their responsibilities can also include preparing laboratory materials, conducting literature reviews, and ensuring compliance with research protocols. Associate Researchers are often found in academic, government, or private sector research settings and may have a background in science, engineering, or social sciences.

What is the difference between Associate Researcher vs Research Assistant?

AspectAssociate ResearcherResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, research experienceTypically Bachelor's degree, entry-level
Work EnvironmentIndependent research, data analysis, project managementSupporting research tasks, data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&DUniversities, labs, research projects

The main difference between an Associate Researcher and a Research Assistant lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Researchers usually have more research experience, handle independent tasks, and contribute to project design, while Research Assistants support data collection and basic tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Associate Researchers typically have higher qualifications and more autonomy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Associate Researcher jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Associate Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Researcher job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,375 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Research Associate I, Microbiology and Immunology (Galveston)

UTMB Health

Galveston, TX

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


UTMB Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent; no experience required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • More than two years of experience maintaining mammalian cell cultures is highly preferred.
  • More than two years of experience performing plaque assays, virus neutralization assays, and ELISAs is highly preferred.
  • More than two years of experience working with viruses in BSL-3 or BSL-4 is preferred.
  • The ideal candidate would have a DOJ clearance and more than two years of BSL-3 or BSL-4 experience working with cell cultures, viruses, and laboratory animals.
  • Proficient in molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, serological assays, flow cytometry).

Job Description:

Research Associate I performs varying standardized laboratory assignments and experiments.

Job Duties:

  • Under direct supervision, performs standard research assignments involving a series of related operations.
  • Sets up and conducts standard research experiments following detailed technical instructions.
  • Prepares biological assays and conducts basic quantitative and qualitative analysis.
  • Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected.
  • Assists in the compilation and tabulation of data and provides preliminary analysis.
  • Assembles, calibrates, operates and makes minor modifications to a variety of laboratory equipment as defined by appropriate guidelines.
  • Adheres to internal controls established for department.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Skills: 

  • Biological Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Qualitative Analysis
  • Tabulation of Data
  • Equipment Calibration
  • Standard Laboratory Equipment

Department Marketing Statement:
A Research Associate I Position is available immediately to support studies evaluating vaccines and treatments against BSL-4 viruses (e.g., Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, Nipah), organ chip validation, and identifying mechanisms of virus-induced dementia. The applicant must meet all State and Federal requirements necessary for working with Select Agents. UTMB has several highly interactive research centers, biomedical institutes, and a national biocontainment laboratory with excellent infrastructure to conduct research at BSL2, -3 and -4 on diverse animal models of infectious diseases. The Department, with 31 full-time faculty members, is ranked among the top of its peer departments in NIH funding.

Working Environment: Standard laboratory environment.

Salary Range
Commensurate with experience 
 

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.


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