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Lead Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center seeks Research Assistant in New York, NY to be responsible ... Independently execute research experiments as directed by the Scientific Lead and conduct a wide ...

Research Assistant

Lady Lake, FL · On-site

$16.75 - $23.25/hr

... Island, we lead multiphasic trials in therapeutic areas ranging from neurodegenerative to ... The Clinical Research Assistant will support clinical trial performance and conduct congruent to ...

Research Assistant

Ocala, FL · On-site

$16.75 - $23.25/hr

... Island, we lead multiphasic trials in therapeutic areas ranging from neurodegenerative to ... The Clinical Research Assistant will support clinical trial performance and conduct congruent to ...

New

PROJECT RESEARCH ASSISTANT Position Summary: Collaborate with more senior researchers on the design ... Academic and/or work experience related to the field of research, as defined by the supervisor/lead ...

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant I position is responsible for providing technical ... Come lead with us! Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Lead Research Scientist will work alongside a dynamic team to shape and advance Visa ... Capacity to influence business partners and assist in explaining results. * Collaborate with cross ...

Research Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

About the Opportunity This job seeks a research assistant to work on one or more projects related ... will lead their own project, and support the engineering efforts for several PhD student led ...

About the Opportunity This job seeks a research assistant to work on one or more projects related ... will lead their own project, and support the engineering efforts for several PhD student led ...

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Lead Research Assistant information

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$18K

$47.5K

$60K

How much do lead research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead research assistant in the United States is $47,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Research Assistant, you need a solid background in research methodologies, data analysis, and relevant field expertise, often supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related discipline. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), database management systems, and compliance with research ethics certifications like CITI are typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication help in coordinating teams and ensuring research quality. These skills are crucial for producing reliable results, maintaining project timelines, and fostering collaboration within research teams.

What are Lead Research Assistants?

Lead Research Assistants are experienced professionals who oversee and coordinate the activities of research teams or projects within academic, clinical, or industrial settings. They are responsible for managing data collection, ensuring adherence to research protocols, supervising junior research staff, and often assisting in the analysis and dissemination of findings. Their role bridges the gap between principal investigators and research assistants, helping to maintain the quality and integrity of research operations.

What is the difference between Lead Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectLead Research AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; some roles prefer or require a master'sBachelor's or master's degree; often more specialized
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, fieldwork, or office settings within research projectsResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, healthcare, and industryAcademic, government, and private sector research
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and career progressionComparing research roles, qualifications, and job scope

The Lead Research Assistant typically supports research projects by collecting and analyzing data, often supervising other assistants. Research Associates usually have more specialized expertise, take on more independent research tasks, and may be involved in designing studies. Both roles are common in academic and industry research settings, but the Lead Research Assistant often acts as a team leader within the research support staff.

How does a Lead Research Assistant typically collaborate with principal investigators and other team members during a research project?

As a Lead Research Assistant, you act as a key liaison between the principal investigator (PI), other research staff, and sometimes external collaborators. You will coordinate the daily activities of the research team, ensure protocols are followed, and help troubleshoot any issues that arise. Regular meetings with the PI are common to discuss progress, data integrity, and next steps. Additionally, you may mentor junior assistants, delegate tasks, and facilitate communication to keep the project on track. This collaborative environment fosters both leadership development and hands-on research experience.
What cities are hiring for Lead Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Lead Research Assistant job openings:
Research Assistant

$69K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 873 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About Us:
The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center seeks Research Assistant in New York, NY to be responsible for performing research activities in collaboration with internal/external clinical researchers from various background disciplines. Independently execute research experiments as directed by the Scientific Lead and conduct a wide variety of experimental protocols for investigators by developing new research methods or improving existing ones as needed. Performs necessary analysis and calculations, records data and writes reports on research findings. Work involves DNA extraction, custom barcoded PCR amplification, and other specialized molecular biology techniques. Ensures laboratory equipment, instruments, solutions, reagents, assays and other supplies for research experiments are prepared for testing. Ensures compliance with all safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations in Human Subject Testing. Monitors tracking expenditures for the laboratory by overseeing the purchased items in Excel databases or web-based systems; obtains prior approval when needed to remain within the annual budget for the laboratory. Maintains high quality control and quality analytics in laboratory procedures. Proactively identifies bottlenecks and creates corrective solutions/processes in coordination with Scientific Lead. Engages and participates regularly in meetings. Participate in the write up of results for scientific papers and participate in the statistical analysis of data generated from these experiments. Maintains a Fecal Biobank daily with sample tracking and aliquoting. Performs queries of pertinent data/information that is both formatted and presented to investigators. Accumulates a working knowledge of research database systems to further assist with large datasets for research experiments. EEO/VETS/ADA.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology or closely related field, and 3 years of experience in the position offered or working in a biological laboratory environment. Must have 3 years of experience with all of the following: molecular biology laboratory techniques including DNA extraction, conventional PCR, quantitative PCR, library preparation, and sequencing platforms; Database and freezer inventory management; maintaining laboratory inventory and ordering in web-based computer systems; preparing biospecimen sample shipments, as well catalog and receiving activities; preparing standard operating procedures for human clinical studies; planning and executing various workflows for human clinical studies; working with at least 3 of the following biospecimens: human saliva, biopsy, urine, blood, swab, cyst, fecal; experience with operating NGS instruments (Illumina and PacBio) and experience selecting preferred applications to both technologies; and working with laboratory robotics with 96- and 384-plate setup.
SALARY: $69,400.00 - $107,600.00/year
LOCATION: 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
Apply for the Research Assistant position at https://careers.mskcc.org.
#LI-DNI
Pay Range: $69,400.00 - $107,600.00
FSLA Status: Exempt
Closing:
At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.
MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

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