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Associate Researcher Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Researcher information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$119.9K

$174.5K

How much do associate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate researcher in Portland, OR is $119,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $163,300.00 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Researcher jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Researcher job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,945 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department OverviewThe Advanced Imaging Research Center (AIRC) at OHSU is a multidisciplinary research center focused on the development of magnetic resonance (MR)-based imaging techniques to advance basic and clinical research.Function/Duties of Position

The primary responsibility of the position is to assist with research MRI data collection and data management for the Advanced Imaging Research Center (AIRC). This involves aiding research teams with MRI data collection, screening subjects for MRI contraindications, assisting with MRI scans and other study procedures, preparing subjects for the AIRC MRI instruments, accompanying subjects in the MRI suite, management of the study related digital data, managing paper and electronic files of subject data, analysis of the images with dedicated MRI software, and entering results into online study databases.

Assists in developing study data acquisition protocols. Assists with non-AIRC Research Faculty study protocol development. Assists with instrument scheduling, inventory management, and record keeping. 

  • Collects data on AIRC's research MRI instruments.
  • Works with research groups to ensure that MRI data is collected safely and in accordance with study protocols. 
  • Screens research subjects to make reduce risk of harm from participation in MRI studies.
  • Manages MRI data and ensures that data collected have been properly archived and distributed as needed.
  • Assists in the maintenance of the MRI facility, keeps common areas well organized and clean.
  • Work with AIRC faculty/staff to process and analyze data.
  • Help with user communication and monitoring center email accounts. 
  • Assist with user queries in regard to iLab (instrument) calendar scheduling. 
  • Assists in iLab scheduling record upkeep.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Works independently with minimal supervision. 

Required Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR
  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Basic knowledge of anatomy. 
  • General computer skills and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree with major courses in physical science.
  • Research experience.
  • Research experience in computation and information science.
  • Some familiarity with Linux/Unix would be useful as software for image analysis runs on Linux platform.
  • Familiar with basic statistical Concepts. 
  • Previous experience in the use of computers for the operation of MR instrumentation and for image processing.
  • Experience in using Excel.
Additional Details

This position is not eligible for remote-work and is 100% on-campus.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887