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Junior Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Research Associate

Waltham, MA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

High Yield Junior Research Associate Firm Overview Polen Capital, a global investment management firm advising approximately $30 billion in assets as of March 2026, provides high value-added active ...

Junior Research Associate

Waltham, MA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

High Yield Junior Research Associate Firm Overview Polen Capital, a global investment management firm advising approximately $30 billion in assets as of March 2026, provides high value-added active ...

The Junior Research Analyst supports the Marine Corps Systems Command Senior Support. This role is ideal for early-career professionals interested in public service, national security, and defense ...

WRMA is currently seeking a Junior Research Associate. Under General direction support the work of other Researchers and project managers performing research and evaluation related functions: assure ...

As a junior research scientist at EliseAI, you will join a fast-moving team of world-class researchers engaged in groundbreaking research on machine learning and large language models, developing ...

Junior Research Scientist - Analytical Development The Junior Research Scientist on the Analytical Development team advances life‑saving therapies by developing and optimizing small molecule drug ...

Junior Research Scientist

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

As a junior research scientist at EliseAI, you will join a fast-moving team of world-class researchers engaged in groundbreaking research on machine learning and large language models, developing ...

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How much do junior research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior research in the United States is $26.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Research vs Research Assistant?

AspectJunior ResearchResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; some roles may need a master'sBachelor's degree typically required; some positions may prefer related coursework
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, corporate R&DUniversities, research centers, labs, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, private companiesUniversities, research organizations, industry R&D departments

Both roles involve supporting research activities, but Junior Research positions often require more specialized education and may involve more independent work, while Research Assistants typically focus on assisting senior researchers with data collection and analysis.

What are some typical challenges a Junior Researcher might face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

As a Junior Researcher, common challenges include managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, learning new research methodologies, and effectively interpreting data. Collaboration and proactive communication with senior researchers and team members can help ease the learning curve. Additionally, seeking feedback and being open to mentorship are excellent ways to build confidence and develop critical skills early in your research career.

What are Junior Researchers?

Junior Researchers are early-career professionals or recent graduates who assist in conducting research projects under the supervision of more experienced researchers. Their responsibilities often include data collection, literature reviews, preparing reports, and sometimes conducting experiments or surveys. Junior Researchers play a key role in supporting the research process by helping with analysis and documentation. This role is common in academic, scientific, and market research settings, and it offers valuable experience for those considering a long-term research career.

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

To thrive as a Junior Researcher, you generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of research methodologies. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature databases, and sometimes basic lab equipment or survey tools is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and curiosity are vital soft skills that help you collaborate and contribute to research projects. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, insightful analysis, and successful teamwork in scientific or academic environments.
More about Junior Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Research jobs? Cities with the most Junior Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs? The most popular types of Research jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,068 per year, or $27 per hour.
Junior Research Associate

Junior Research Associate

Polen Capital

Waltham, MA • On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

 High Yield Junior Research Associate

 

Firm Overview

Polen Capital, a global investment management firm advising approximately $30 billion in assets as of March 2026, provides high value-added active strategies to a wide range of institutional and individual clients around the world. Since 1989, the Firm has been committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional professionals who are aligned with our goal of preserving and growing our clients’ assets to protect their present and enable their future. 

Polen Capital has four autonomous investment teams that currently oversee global equities and credit – the Quality Growth Team; 5Perspectives Growth Team; Global Emerging Markets Growth Team; and Leveraged Credit Team – with offices in Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, London, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi.

Polen Capital has been recognized by Pensions & Investments as one of the industry's "Best Places to Work" in each of the past ten years.


Our Culture

  • Polen Capital is guided by three Core Values geared toward honoring our commitment to our clients and creating a positive culture and a cordial and productive professional environment: “Do the right thing,” “Do more than expected,” and “Respect the individual.”
  • Mastery, autonomy, and purpose are key drivers for our people and behaviors.
  • Polen Capital embraces a growth mindset, strives for continuous learning, communicates via radical candor, and is a Results-Only Work Environment
  • Diversity of thought, unique perspectives and inclusiveness are core beliefs at Polen Capital; we view a diverse workforce as essential in fostering a culture of empathy and open-minded collaboration.

 

Position
The High Yield Junior Research Associate will have the opportunity to gain financial skills as well as learn the intricacies of fundamental research. Working directly with experienced Research Analysts, this individual will be responsible for creating and maintaining financial models, conducting due diligence on potential investment opportunities, and completing ad hoc tasks (e.g., creating client presentations) related to the investment and portfolio management process.  

A successful Junior Research Associate will become increasingly responsible for the sourcing, analysis, diligence, and maintenance of investments in an increasingly independent manner.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with and support senior research professionals in all aspects of due diligence processes for current and prospective investments
  • Conduct due diligence on company and industry trends through reviewing SEC filings, quarterly calls, industry conferences and other industry-specific resources
  • Analyze, build, and update financial and valuation models
  • Maintain deep knowledge of the industries and companies being followed and make or change recommendations as necessary
  • Effectively generate and communicate investment ideas to senior investment personnel
  • Write research reports, synthesize data, and share findings (relevant investment themes, events, and breaking news) to senior management
  • Search for new investment ideas through internal screens, industry reports, industry conferences and other relevant sources
  • Present during team meetings, solicit feedback, and seek continuous improvement of presentation skills

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree 
  • 0-2 years’ research and valuation experience working in high yield investments
  • Knowledge of accounting, valuation, and the fixed income market
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the ability to explain complex information succinctly and efficiently
  • Ability to work well under pressure and handle tight deadlines
  • Purpose-Driven: Starts with Why – in service of our communities, our clients, and each other
  • Accountable: Operates with autonomy and drives towards results
  • Emotionally Intelligent: Demonstrates self-awareness and interpersonal skills
  • Grit: Persists in the face of adversity
  • Lifelong Learner: Employs a growth mindset and strives to become more

 

Additional Information

  • Full-time Employee
  • Location: Waltham, MA
  • Less than 5% travel required
  • Salary Range: $75,000 - $125,000
  • Polen Capital is ROWE (Results-Only Work Environment,) offers competitive health benefits, paid parental leave, and annual individual learning budgets

Research shows that women and other underrepresented groups tend to apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. We are committed to leveling the playing field, and we encourage women, men, people of color, veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and those returning to the workforce to apply for positions even if they do not necessarily check every box outlined in the job description, including education level.

Polen Capital will reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. To initiate a request for an accommodation, please contact: talentacquisition@polencapital.com