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How much do phd jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd in Utah is $26.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.17 and $30.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Ph.D. holder, you need advanced research abilities, critical thinking, subject matter expertise, and typically a doctoral degree in your field. Proficiency in data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), academic writing software, and sometimes specialized laboratory or computational systems is common. Strong communication, perseverance, and independent problem-solving skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for producing original research, publishing findings, and contributing meaningful advancements to your discipline.

What can you work as with a PhD?

A PhD qualifies individuals for advanced research, academic, and specialized roles in fields such as science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Graduates often work as university professors, researchers, data scientists, policy analysts, or in leadership positions requiring expert knowledge and analytical skills.

Is a PhD worth it anymore?

A PhD can lead to specialized roles in academia, research, or industry, often requiring advanced skills and knowledge. While it can increase job prospects and earning potential, the value depends on the field, career goals, and job market demand for highly educated professionals.

What is the difference between Phd vs Data Scientist?

AspectPhdData Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree in a specialized fieldBachelor's or Master's degree, often with technical skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research labs, or industry R&DCorporate, tech companies, or consulting firms
Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, R&D departmentsBusiness analytics, machine learning, data analysis
Common Search/ComparisonPhd vs Data Scientist

While a Phd focuses on advanced research and academic expertise, a Data Scientist applies analytical and technical skills to solve business problems. Both roles require strong analytical skills, but their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD candidates during their research, and how can they overcome them?

PhD candidates often encounter challenges such as managing long-term research projects, handling unexpected results, and balancing academic responsibilities with personal life. Many also face periods of self-doubt or 'impostor syndrome,' especially when progress seems slow. Overcoming these challenges usually involves setting clear, achievable milestones, seeking regular feedback from advisors and peers, and building a supportive network within their academic community. Proactively communicating with supervisors and engaging in departmental activities can also help alleviate isolation and keep motivation high.

What is a PhD?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree awarded by universities in most fields of study. Earning a PhD typically involves several years of advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, and original research culminating in a dissertation or thesis. PhD graduates are recognized as experts in their chosen fields and often pursue careers in academia, research, or specialized industry roles.

What jobs can a PhD get you?

A PhD can qualify individuals for advanced roles in academia, research institutions, and industry, including positions such as research scientist, university professor, data scientist, or policy analyst. These roles often require specialized knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to conduct independent research or complex problem-solving.

What jobs do PhD holders get?

PhD holders can pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers, as well as in industry roles such as data scientists, research scientists, consultants, and policy analysts. They often work in environments requiring advanced research, critical thinking, and specialized knowledge, and may also hold positions in government, healthcare, or technology sectors.
What are the most commonly searched types of Phd jobs in Utah? The most popular types of Phd jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Phd jobs in Utah? For Phd jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Phd jobs in Utah are:
Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,756 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Research Scientists (PhD)

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN45749B Job Title Research Scientists (PhD) Working Title Research Scientists (PhD) Career Progression Track L00 Track Level L4 - Advanced, L3 - Career FLSA Code Professional Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
Monday - Friday
VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $99,000 - $135,000 Close Date 10/27/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The Research Scientist serves as a scientific and operational leader within the ORL, providing technical expertise, project leadership, and laboratory management in support of faculty-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This role oversees research projects from concept development through study completion while ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. A track record of hands-on research, scientific productivity, and collaborative problem-solving is essential.
This position offers a long-term career pathway with opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities over time in partnership with departmental leadership, supporting the department's missions of discovery, innovation, and education.
Department leadership envisions the ORL operating with a productivity model that emphasizes clearly defined objectives, measurable deliverables, efficient resource utilization, and timely project completion. As an ambassador for the ORL, the Research Scientist communicates laboratory capabilities to faculty, trainees, and industry partners and serves as a consultative resource for project planning, feasibility assessment, and collaboration development. The role helps establish project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements while promoting efficient project execution and minimizing scope creep.
The Research Scientist provides end-to-end leadership for research studies, including project intake, experimental design, budgeting, protocol development, prototyping, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination through abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The position also contributes to grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, scientific peer review, and the development of external collaborations.
Success in this role requires expertise in biomechanical testing, medical imaging, 3D modeling and fabrication, programming, and statistical analysis. The Research Scientist develops and maintains advanced analytical workflows using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, and Stata. Experience working with human and animal cadaveric tissues is highly desirable.
In addition to leading research activities, the Research Scientist oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, supervises research staff, and helps develop standard operating procedures that promote safety, quality, consistency, and operational excellence across all laboratory activities.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
End-to-end project management
Maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, and upgrading laboratory equipment and testing systems.
Serving as the primary point of contact for laboratory equipment access, scheduling, and lockbox management.
Coordinating annual Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) documentation updates and biannual laboratory inspections.
Training faculty, staff, and trainees on laboratory equipment and procedures in accordance with EHS standards.
Managing tissue procurement, inventory, storage, and disposal processes.
Overseeing laboratory organization, maintenance of tools and supplies, and inventory management.
Supporting purchasing, budgeting, and basic accounting functions associated with laboratory operations and research projects.
Collecting, tracking, and reporting laboratory utilization and performance metrics.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Research Scientist, III: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 6+ years of directly related work experience.

Research Scientist, IV: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 8+ years of directly related work experience.
  • Demonstrated experience managing and executing scientific research projects.
  • Strong technical expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
  • Experience with biomechanical testing systems, medical imaging technologies, and laboratory instrumentation.
  • Proficiency in programming and statistical analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, or Stata.
  • Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferences
Experience supporting grant applications and industry-sponsored research.
Familiarity with research contracting, budgeting, and project financial management.
Experience working with cadaveric human and/or animal tissues.
Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
Experience supervising research personnel and managing shared laboratory resources.
Knowledge of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements relevant to biomedical research laboratories.
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850

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