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Graduate Research Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$55K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

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  • PTO

... Research Assistant Anticipated Hiring Range $55,000 - $58,000 Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am ... science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be ...

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be ... Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands ...

Research Technician I

Durham, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... graduate for the position of research technician I. Occupational Summary The candidate will work on supporting a team of postdoctoral fellows and physician-scientists working on understanding the ...

... and graduate students at UNC-CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences ... Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Research Scientist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$49.1K

$126.5K

$169.1K

How much do graduate research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate research scientist in Raleigh, NC is $126,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $168,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are research scientists in high demand?

Research scientists are in high demand across various industries such as healthcare, technology, and academia due to ongoing innovation and the need for specialized expertise. Employment growth is expected to be steady, especially for those with advanced degrees and skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, or programming.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate research scientists when transitioning from coursework to independent research?

Graduate Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as managing the shift from structured coursework to self-directed research, developing effective time management skills, and coping with the uncertainty inherent in experimental work. Balancing multiple responsibilities like teaching, publishing, and attending seminars can also be demanding. Building strong relationships with advisors and peers is crucial for receiving guidance and feedback, which helps in navigating these challenges and progressing toward research milestones.

What is a graduate research scientist?

Graduate Research Scientists are advanced degree students, typically pursuing a master's or doctoral program, who conduct scientific research under the supervision of faculty or principal investigators. Their work involves designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to academic publications in their field of study. These scientists often work in university labs, research institutes, or partnered industry projects, gaining essential skills for future academic or industry careers.

Is a graduate research scientist a good career path?

A graduate research scientist role offers opportunities for advanced research, data analysis, and contribution to scientific knowledge, often requiring a master's or Ph.D. and strong analytical skills. It can lead to careers in academia, industry, or government, but job stability and salary vary depending on the field and experience level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate research scientist?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and a relevant academic degree (typically a master's or Ph.D. in a scientific field). Familiarity with statistical software, laboratory equipment, and research databases is commonly required, along with knowledge of protocols and compliance standards. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating with peers. These competencies are vital for producing rigorous research, driving innovation, and contributing meaningfully to scientific advancement.

Do I need a PhD to be a graduate research scientist?

A PhD is not always required to become a graduate research scientist, but it is often preferred for roles involving advanced research, data analysis, and independent project management. Many positions may accept a master's degree or equivalent experience, especially in industry or applied research settings.

Are research scientists paid well?

Research scientists, including graduate research scientists, typically earn competitive salaries that vary by industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, but salaries tend to increase with specialization, advanced degrees, and research achievements, often complemented by benefits such as health insurance and research funding.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Scientist vs Research Associate?

AspectGraduate Research ScientistResearch Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in relevant field, research experienceBachelor's or Master's, research experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, industry R&DAcademic, industry, or government research settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, biotech, pharma, tech companiesUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&D
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Graduate Research Scientist and a Research Associate lies in their experience and educational background. Graduate Research Scientists typically hold advanced degrees like a Master's or PhD and are involved in more independent research projects. Research Associates often have a Bachelor's or Master's and support research activities under supervision. Both roles are common in academic and industry research environments, but Graduate Research Scientists usually engage in more specialized and autonomous research tasks.

What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Graduate Research Scientist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Graduate Research Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Scientist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,477 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Post-Doc Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Department Computer Science - 318400 Posting Open Date 02/24/2025 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004786 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Experience or Dependent on Qualifications Proposed Start Date 04/01/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Computer Science is one of 16 science departments and curricula in the College of Arts and Sciences. It is a major teaching department with more than 30 tenured/tenure track faculty, nine research faculty, and 28 adjunct faculty, who serve more than a thousand undergraduate students and hundreds of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Our driving research ideal is collaboration-as it has been since the founding of our department in 1964. We believe that computer science's greatest purpose is in working with other scientists to solve problems in their own disciplines. Therefore, we actively seek opportunities to generate new research with our colleagues and with scientists in other departments across campus, including in science, medicine, and the humanities. Numerous computer science faculty members have adjunct or joint appointments in other departments, lead large interdisciplinary research groups, and collaborate with colleagues from multiple universities across the Research Triangle, the United States, and even the world.
Position Summary
Two postdoctoral researcher positions are available at UNC under Prof. Mohit Bansal in the UNC-NLP Lab. The focus of this NLP+ML postdoc position will include, but is not limited to, multimodal+embodied semantics, human-like language generation and Q&A/dialogue, and interpretable and generalizable deep learning. The duties of the postdoctoral scholar will include aiding the research of graduate students on NLP+ML projects and leading research directions complementary to theirs that fall within the scope of the lab. The postdoctoral research scholar will have some freedom to create a research agenda, as well as opportunities to advise graduate and undergraduate students in the lab, collaborate with other AI faculty (vision/robotics/ML) in the department and teach courses if they choose to do so.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Applicants should have (or expect to receive before the start of the position) a PhD in Computer Science or EE/ECE on a topic in machine learning applied to natural language processing, computer vision, or a related area.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Strong publication record in NLP, ML, or related areas -Strong programming skills, including TensorFlow and/or PyTorch -Demonstrated strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Applicants should have (or expect to receive before the start of the position) a PhD in Computer Science or EE/ECE on a topic in machine learning applied to natural language processing, computer vision, or a related area. Strong publication record in NLP, ML, or related areas -Strong programming skills, including TensorFlow and/or PyTorch -Demonstrated strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/313667
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Mohit Bansal, Professor Department Contact Telephone or Email mbansal@cs.unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

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Chapel Hill, NC, US

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1789