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Associate Researcher Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

AIPAC

Associate, Research UDP

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$52K - $58K/yr

United Democracy Project, the Super Pac affiliated with AIPAC, is hiring a Research Associate. The position would work with our multi-member team, conducting research on Members of Congress and ...

AIPAC

Associate, Research UDP

Washington, DC · On-site

$52K - $58K/yr

United Democracy Project, the Super Pac affiliated with AIPAC, is hiring a Research Associate. The position would work with our multi-member team, conducting research on Members of Congress and ...

Smithers

Associate Research Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Smithers is seeking a talented Associate Research Scientist with expertise in bioanalytical assays (PK, ADA, Nab). The individual will be responsible for design, development and feasibility of new ...

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All JobsAssociate Researcher JobsAssociate Researcher Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Associate Researcher information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$31K

$116.9K

$170.1K

How much do associate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate researcher in Silver Spring, MD is $116,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $159,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for a research associate?

The highest salaries for research associates can reach around $70,000 to $90,000 annually, typically in specialized fields or with extensive experience and advanced degrees. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and level of expertise, with some senior or industry-specific roles exceeding this range.

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

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 does an associate researcher do?

An associate researcher supports research projects by collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments, and preparing reports. They often work under the supervision of senior researchers and may use tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment to assist in research activities.

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.

How much is a research associate paid?

Research associates typically earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced skills or in specialized fields can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are Associate Researchers?

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.

Do I need a PhD to be a research associate?

A research associate position typically does not require a PhD; most roles require at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. However, some research roles or specialized projects may prefer or require a PhD or additional experience. Skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, or specific tools can also be important for the role.

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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Associate Researcher jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Associate Researcher job openings:
Associate Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Researcher job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,922 per year, or $56.2 per hour.
NIST PREP Research Associate in Human-Centered Cybersecurity Research and Community Standards Develo

NIST PREP Research Associate in Human-Centered Cybersecurity Research and Community Standards Develo

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$30/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Human-Centered Cybersecurity Research and Community Standards Development
The work will entail: The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Information Technology Laboratory is seeking a qualified candidate to support the Human-Centered Cybersecurity (HCC) Program (https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/human-centered-cybersecurity). The program considers human needs, motivations, behaviors, and abilities in cybersecurity. The student will work on projects to support the development of an HCC standard description and organizational guidelines mapped to existing NIST cybersecurity frameworks. U.S. citizenship is preferred. The candidate for this position will work alongside world-class researchers at NIST. U.S. citizenship is preferred.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Conduct analysis of human subjects survey or interview data using statistical methods and qualitative thematic analysis
  • Search for, summarize, and synthesize HCC and security framework literature
  • Assist in organizing public workshops
  • Organize, synthesize, and help to adjudicate public comments
  • Write/prepare reports, research papers, and presentations
  • Present project information at internal and external meetings

Qualifications
  • In progress PhD degree in a field related to HCC (e.g., computer/information science, social science, human factors, organizational leadership) with at least one year left in degree
  • Education, research, or work experience in cybersecurity
  • Qualitative (preferred, including thematic coding) or quantitative (statistical analysis) human subjects research experience
  • Demonstrated ability to work both in teams and independently
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Other Desirable Qualifications
  • Experience reading, summarizing, and synthesizing research and industry reports/literature
  • Experience creating visualizations of research data

Employment Terms: This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Visualization and Usability group for a term of one year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work aside NIST researchers. Relocation expenses will not be provided.
Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004203

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