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Clinical Research Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neuropsychology, Clinical, I/O Psychology, Space Psychology, Health Psychology, Behavioral Medicine * Experience conducting behavioral health and performance research, conducting literature reviews ...

Neuropsychology, Clinical, I/O Psychology, Space Psychology, Health Psychology, Behavioral Medicine * Experience conducting behavioral health and performance research, conducting literature reviews ...

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Clinical Research Psychologist information

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$60K

$109.9K

$159K

How much do clinical research psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical research psychologist in the United States is $109,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $122,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in clinical research?

In clinical research, senior roles such as Clinical Research Director or Vice President of Clinical Operations tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees or certifications in clinical research or related fields.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Psychologist vs Clinical Psychologist?

AspectClinical Research PsychologistClinical Psychologist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, research trainingDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, clinical training
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companiesHospitals, clinics, private practices, community health centers
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, healthcare companies, academiaHealthcare facilities, mental health clinics, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Clinical Research Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist lies in their focus. Clinical Research Psychologists primarily conduct research to develop and evaluate psychological treatments, often working in academic or industry settings. Clinical Psychologists focus on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders directly with patients. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in their work environment and primary responsibilities.

What is a Clinical Research Psychologist?

A Clinical Research Psychologist is a professional who studies mental health disorders, behavior, and treatment methods through scientific research. They design and conduct clinical studies to better understand psychological conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of new therapies or interventions. Unlike clinical psychologists who primarily provide therapy, clinical research psychologists focus on generating new knowledge that can improve mental health care. Their research often informs best practices and contributes to policy development in psychology and psychiatry.

Who gets paid more, PsyD or PhD?

In the field of clinical psychology, psychologists with a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) often have similar or slightly lower salaries compared to those with a PhD, which typically emphasizes research and academia. However, salary differences can vary based on work setting, experience, and geographic location, with PhD holders sometimes earning more in research or academic roles and PsyD holders often working in clinical practice. Both degrees are valuable for clinical research psychologists, but salary potential depends more on specialization and experience than degree type alone.

What does a clinical research psychologist do?

A clinical research psychologist designs and conducts studies to evaluate psychological treatments, interventions, and behaviors. They analyze data, publish findings, and may work in academic, healthcare, or research settings, often requiring knowledge of research methods and statistical tools.

What are some common challenges clinical research psychologists face when balancing research and patient care responsibilities?

Clinical research psychologists often navigate the dual demands of conducting rigorous research while providing direct patient care. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging due to time constraints, ethical considerations, and the need to maintain objectivity in research without compromising patient well-being. Effective time management, clear communication with multidisciplinary teams, and adherence to strict ethical protocols are essential to overcoming these challenges. Many professionals find that collaboration with colleagues and ongoing professional development help them manage this balance successfully.

Is a psychology degree worth it in 2026?

A psychology degree can be valuable for a Clinical Research Psychologist, as it provides foundational knowledge for understanding mental health and research methods. However, additional training, certifications, and experience are often required for clinical roles, and job prospects depend on industry demand and specialization. Staying current with research tools and licensing requirements is important for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Research Psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, expertise in research methodologies, and a strong understanding of psychological assessment and intervention. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), data management systems, and relevant research ethics certifications is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for designing rigorous studies, ensuring ethical compliance, and effectively translating research findings into clinical practice.
More about Clinical Research Psychologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Clinical Research Psychologist jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Research Psychologist job openings:
What states have the most Clinical Research Psychologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Research Psychologist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Clinical Research Psychologist jobs? For Clinical Research Psychologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Psychologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,894 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Research Psychologist

KBR

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 438 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Research Psychologist

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.

What You'll Do:

In this role, you will be a key scientist for helping NASA achieve its goals for human spaceflight exploration. You will perform this work in the Behavioral Health & Performance (BHP) Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The Research Psychologist will facilitate ongoing studies; write proposals for directed studies and grant solicitations; and complete data analyses and prepare reports, journal articles, and presentations regarding the study results. You will assist in the management and execution of multiple BHP Lab tasks to ensure the team produces high quality, implementable, and timely deliverables that help to reduce the risks associated with the behavioral health and performance of astronauts.

You will work on a highly collaborative team, interfacing routinely with our NASA customer, laboratories in the Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, external PI teams, and provide timely deliverables to stakeholders for BHP Lab products such as Human Research Program, Space Medicine Division, Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program (EHP), and Mars Campaign Office.

You will:

  • Work with the NASA BHP Lab Lead to implement research activities related to behavioral health and performance risks
  • Develop grant proposals in response to research calls from NASA or external funding organizations
  • Develop directed research proposals and support directed research in space flight analogs, available flight opportunities, and with medical and mission operations personnel
  • Conduct and coordinate data collection, cleaning, and organization
  • Analyze and interpret research and operational data, consulting with NASA statisticians for complex issues
  • Draft interim and final reports, literature reviews and summaries, and project summaries
  • Provide subject matter expertise for research design, methodologies, technologies, and assessments related to behavioral health and performance
  • Disseminate research findings through presentation to NASA program management, presentations at various national and international meetings and working groups, scientific conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
  • Participate in presenting project updates, interim and final results, as well as program objectives and direction to scientists, engineers and managers
  • Collaborate with a variety of contributors and stakeholders including BHP Operations personnel, flight surgeons, mission managers and a multidisciplinary team of personnel to effectively plan and execute the research plans
  • Monitor multiple research project schedules, deliverables, and discuss status of projects with lab project manager
  • Provide inputs to weekly and monthly status reports for NASA technical monitor review
  • Assist NASA technical monitors with updates to NASA standards, and periodic review and update of human spaceflight risks especially relates to behavioral health and performance
  • Advise and assist in the development of protocols and processes that promote efficient and effective management of the BHP Laboratory projects and personnel.
  • Maintain data quality practices and standards established within the laboratory
  • Liaise with internal and external collaborators to effectively plan, track, and complete collaborative research
  • Assist the BHP Laboratory Lead with other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of the lab, or due to NASA's program requirements changes

What You Bring:

You bring experience leading research design and execution to help answer applied human spaceflight questions. You use your experience and judgment to develop innovative solutions to problems that will inform NASA's future spaceflight mission planning and preparation. As a key part of our safety culture, you will comply with KBR's Safety, Health and Environmental Plan, Quality Plan, and all safety policies and procedures, and complete all assigned training.

Your Qualifications:

REQUIRED:

  • Ph.D. and at least 3 years of experience in one of the following areas of psychology: Neuropsychology, Clinical, I/O Psychology, Space Psychology, Health Psychology, Behavioral Medicine
  • Experience conducting behavioral health and performance research, conducting literature reviews, and collecting and analyzing behavioral health and performance data

DESIRED:

  • Prior experience in managing, coordinating, and directing research projects.
  • Prior experience with NASA, Aerospace, Military, or operational environments

Your Skills:

REQUIRED:

  • Proficient with software tools used by the lab including MS Office, R, and RMarkdown
  • Proven ability to apply research methodology for evaluating proposals and research design
  • Demonstrated technical and scientific writing ability, completing all levels of writing, such as research reports and summaries, briefings, technical reports, and project plans, etc.
  • Possess broad understanding of behavioral health and performance outcomes required for individuals required to function effectively in an isolated, confined environment during long-duration exploration missions (e.g., performance, cognition, mood)
  • Highly ethical and respectful of human research data confidentiality, protections, and intellectual property
  • Demonstrated excellence in effective communication and presentation skills with varied audiences, including various levels of management, internationals, scientists, medical professionals and engineers
  • Demonstrated organizational skills for coordinating complex activities and schedules, and managing tasks per a defined timeline
  • Successful project management experience
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary setting where there is frequently divergent or competing goals for the project implementation and outcome
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret requirements for real-time implementation
  • Demonstrated interpersonal effectiveness and professionalism in working with others in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

DESIRED:

  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate proven or developing technologies for measuring and assessing behavioral health outcomes as well as evaluating and applying countermeasures in a spaceflight environment.

What to Expect

This position is expected to be 100% on site and a minimum of 60% in person. Occasional travel may be required.

Why KBR

KBR offers competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development. Click here to learn more:KBR Benefits | KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These are at the heart of our commitment to and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998