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Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Galveston, TX · On-site

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Department Institute For A ... This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding , which is renewed through provisions of ...

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How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract 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 a contract research associate?

A Contract Research Associate (CRA) is a professional who is typically hired on a contractual basis to support and manage clinical trials or research projects. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring research sites, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations, collecting and verifying data, and maintaining proper documentation. CRAs play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of clinical studies, often working for pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or academic institutions. The contract nature of the role means that assignments are usually project-based and may vary in duration and scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract research associate?

To thrive as a Contract Research Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences or a related field, attention to detail, and experience with clinical research processes. Familiarity with regulatory systems like FDA guidelines, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), data management tools, and electronic data capture (EDC) systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in teams help set candidates apart. These competencies ensure that clinical trials are conducted accurately, compliantly, and efficiently, supporting successful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract research associates when managing multiple studies simultaneously?

Contract Research Associates often juggle several clinical trials at once, which can pose challenges in time management and prioritization. Balancing the requirements of different sponsors, adhering to varying protocols, and ensuring accurate documentation for each study demand strong organizational skills. Additionally, staying up to date with regulatory changes and effective communication with site staff are crucial to avoid delays and ensure compliance. Developing efficient workflows and leveraging project management tools can help address these challenges.

What is the difference between Contract Research Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectContract Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in life sciences; certifications like CCRP beneficialBachelor's degree in health sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP or CCRC advantageous
Work EnvironmentTypically in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, contract research organizations (CROs)Usually in hospitals, clinics, or research sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsHospitals, academic medical centers, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles support clinical trials, a Contract Research Associate primarily works for pharmaceutical or biotech companies managing trial processes remotely or at sites, often on a contractual basis. A Clinical Research Coordinator typically works directly at research sites, coordinating patient visits and data collection. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their work environments and employer types differ.

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

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

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Contract Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Contract Research Associate job openings:

Contract Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Associate job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,638 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Galveston, TX

Texas A&M University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

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Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Institute For A Disaster Resilient Texas

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Galveston, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who We Are

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) at Texas A&M University brings together research, data, and collaboration to strengthen communities against natural hazards. Established to bridge the gap between science and decision-making, IDRT delivers cutting-edge analytics, tools, and evidence-based solutions that support state agencies, partners, and local communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. Through innovative research and a commitment to public impact, we help build a more resilient Texas for the long term. To learn more, visit https://idrt.tamu.edu

What We Want

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to cutting-edge research and projects focused on disaster resilience, coastal engineering, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic coastal processes, and flood risk reduction. IDRT is dedicated to enhancing disaster resilience by bridging the gap between research and decision-making. Our strategic approach involves conducting research on disaster risk reduction, promoting evidence-based solutions through outreach and technical assistance, and providing decision-makers with decision-support tools, data analytics, and policy solutions. The Department of Ocean Engineering conducts world-class research in offshore and coastal systems including field, laboratory, and numerical approaches to better understand coastal processes and engineering systems that protect people, property, and infrastructure from storm damage. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the collaboration across this multidisciplinary venture through joint research efforts related to planned storm surge suppression systems along the U.S. Gulf Coast with a focus on beach & dune modeling or hydrodynamic field data collection and analysis.

Please note: This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will becommensurateto the selectedhire'sexperience.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload themonthe application under the CV/Resume section.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Research

  • Under general supervision, the post-doctoral researcher is responsible for conducting research and project tasks related to their (or adjacent) field of expertise. This will include data collection, analysis of research data and writing result summaries.

  • Research and project tasks can cover a range of topics including:

  • Coastal hydrodynamic and morphodynamic numerical modeling.

  • Field data collection and analysis of nearshore dynamics.

  • Design and analysis of flood control infrastructure.

  • Nature-based flood mitigation solutions.

  • Flood risk and hazard analytics.

  • Flood forecasting and warning systems.

Mentoring

  • Assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on related research or project efforts.

Presentations / Publications

  • Present research outcomes to small and/or large groups.

  • Actively participate in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.

  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

  • Engage in outreach activities to promote evidence-based disaster resilience solutions and other related research output.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

  • Doctoral (PhD) degree in Civil, Ocean, Mechanical Engineering or related field with a focus on Coastal Systems, Coastal Numerical Modeling, Nearshore Field Data Collection, Hydraulic Engineering, Geotechnical Challenges, or similar expertise.

  • No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficiency and experience in coastal numerical modeling tools such as circulation, flooding, wave and morphodynamic models AND/OR proficiency and experience in coastal/nearshore field data collection and analysis.

  • Strong written, oral, and visual communication skills.

  • Good understanding of coastal sediment transport dynamics.

  • Experience with field data collection methods such as in-situ infiltration sampling, topographic and bathymetric surveying, acoustic and piezo-electric instruments for current and wave measurements.

  • Proficiency in programming languages and data analysis tools such as Python, Matlab, and R.

  • Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ESRI ArcPro).

  • Hydraulics of flood control and storm surge suppression structures (e.g., culverts, pump stations, detention basins, hydraulic gates, surge barriers).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

  • Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff.

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.

  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

  • Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.

  • Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies.

  • Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.

  • Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes.

  • Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat during field campaigns on land or water.

  • Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

Why Texas A&M University?

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.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.

  • Health, dental, vision, life 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 leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month.

  • Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas.

  • Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.

  • Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

  • Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

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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