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Principal Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medix

Principal Investigator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125 - $200/hr

Job Summary Our client seeks a dedicated Principal Investigator responsible for conducting objective clinical research that generates independent, high quality, and reproducible results. The role ...

Lonza

Principal Investigator

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Title Principal Investigator Location Tampa, FL This role is based at our Tampa, Florida site, where you will serve as the technical and scientific lead for complex client programs, driving ...

Lonza

Principal Investigator

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Title Principal Investigator Location Tampa, FL This role is based at our Tampa, Florida site, where you will serve as the technical and scientific lead for complex client programs, driving ...

Flourish Research

Principal Investigator

Chicago, IL

$300K - $400K/yr

We are actively hiring a Principal Investigator to support our Chicago, IL site. Shift: Monday-Friday day shift (40 hours per week) Location: Onsite, Chicago, IL FLSA Classification: Exempt ...

Flourish Research

Principal Investigator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$300K - $400K/yr

We are actively hiring a Principal Investigator to support our Chicago, IL site. Shift: Monday-Friday day shift (40 hours per week) Location: Onsite, Chicago, IL FLSA Classification: Exempt ...

HDR

Principal Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

Principal Investigator At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through ...

HDR

Principal Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

Principal Investigator At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through ...

Arcfield

Principal Investigator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Responsibilities Strategic Technology Consulting (STC), an Arcfield Company, is seeking a seasoned Principal Investigator (PI) to lead the design, integration, and testing of innovative Range Safety ...

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Principal Investigator information

See salary details

$19.5K

$142.7K

$260.5K

How much do principal investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal investigator in the United States is $142,668.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $200,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do principal investigators make in the US?

Principal investigators in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on their experience, field, and the institution. Senior PIs or those in high-demand research areas may earn higher salaries, often supplemented by grants and research funding.

What are some common challenges principal investigators face when managing research teams?

Principal Investigators often encounter challenges related to balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on research and mentorship. Managing a diverse team with varying expertise, ensuring clear communication, and securing consistent funding can be demanding. PIs are also responsible for fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and maintaining compliance with institutional and funding agency regulations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and adaptability.

What is a principal investigator?

A principal investigator, or PI, is the primary representative of an organization that requests a grant. As a principal investigator, you are responsible for the preparation and completion of the research or project being funded by the grant. Your primary goal is to provide sufficient justification for the proposal or grant request to the funding entities. Other job duties include developing research strategies to gather data, analyzing and writing up a summary of the results of the research, and ensuring the project complies with all applicable laws and regulations. A PI may be required to present the results of the study to faculty, peers, and grant approvers.

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

To thrive as a Principal Investigator, you need advanced expertise in a scientific discipline, a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent), and a proven research track record. Familiarity with grant management systems, laboratory management tools, and regulatory compliance certifications (like Good Clinical Practice) is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills set outstanding Principal Investigators apart. These competencies are vital for designing innovative research, securing funding, leading teams, and ensuring ethical, high-impact study outcomes.

What is a principal investigator?

A Principal Investigator (PI) is the lead researcher responsible for the design, conduct, and management of a research project, typically within an academic or scientific setting. The PI oversees all aspects of the project, including securing funding, ensuring compliance with regulations, supervising research staff, and reporting results. They are ultimately accountable for the integrity and progress of the research, as well as the safety of any human or animal subjects involved. The PI is usually a senior scientist or faculty member with expertise in the project's subject area.

What is the difference between Principal Investigator vs Research Scientist?

AspectPrincipal InvestigatorResearch Scientist
Required credentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or MD), research experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized research skills
Work environmentLeads research projects, manages teams, secures fundingConducts experiments, analyzes data, supports research projects
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, industry R&D labs, biotech companies

The main difference between a Principal Investigator and a Research Scientist lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Principal Investigator typically leads research projects, manages teams, and secures funding, while the Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and supporting research activities. Both roles require advanced research credentials, but the PI holds a leadership position overseeing the entire project.

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Principal Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,668 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Principal Investigator, Gastroenterology

Kinetic Clinical Research

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$250 - $300/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Kinetic Clinical Research

Kinetic Clinical Research (“KCR”) is a fast-growing, multi-site clinical research organization built by physicians and operators who understand the realities of modern clinical practice. Following the consolidation of several successful Southern California research sites, KCR is expanding its gastroenterology research portfolio and is seeking an entry level or an experienced Gastroenterologist to serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) and long-term clinical partner.

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for a gastroenterologist who wants to:

  • Expand or transition into clinical research leadership
  • Work in a supportive, well-staffed research environment
  • Participate in a growing research platform with long-term upside
  • Potentially progress toward profit-sharing or equity participation based on contribution, performance, and mutual alignment

Role Overview

As a Principal Investigator, you will lead and oversee GI related clinical trials, working closely with KCR’s experienced operations, regulatory, and recruitment teams. You focus on medicine and oversight — we handle the infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as Principal Investigator on gastroenterology clinical trials (e.g., IBD, NASH/MASH, IBS, GERD, motility, liver disease, or related indications)
  • Provide medical oversight and ensure subject safety and protocol compliance
  • Review and approve study protocols, informed consent documents, and safety reports
  • Supervise Sub-Investigators and collaborate with CRCs and site staff
  • Participate in Sponsor meetings, feasibility assessments, and monitoring visits
  • Support patient recruitment and retention through clinical engagement
  • Maintain compliance with FDA regulations, ICH-GCP, IRB requirements, and KCR SOPs

What We Offer

  • Turnkey research infrastructure (experienced CRCs, regulatory, recruitment, pharmacy, and QA support)
  • Access to active and upcoming GI studies with strong Sponsor relationships
  • Flexible scheduling (part-time or per-diem arrangements available)
  • Competitive per-study or hourly compensation
  • Administrative and operational support so you can focus on clinical work
  • A collegial, transparent leadership team that values physician input

Growth & Partnership Potential

KCR is building for the long term. For physicians who demonstrate strong leadership, study performance, and alignment with our mission, there is a clear pathway to expanded roles, including:

  • Lead Investigator status across multiple studies
  • Involvement in study selection and portfolio development
  • Profit-sharing opportunities tied to site growth and performance

(This is not a promise or guarantee, but a genuine opportunity we actively pursue with the right partners.)

Qualifications

  • MD or DO with Board Certification or Eligibility in Gastroenterology
  • Active, unrestricted California medical license
  • Prior Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator experience preferred (but not required)
  • GCP-trained or willing to complete GCP training
  • Interest in clinical research, innovation, and collaborative growth

Why Physicians Choose KCR

  • We respect your time and expertise
  • We invest in systems and staff — not shortcuts
  • We view investigators as partners, not vendors
  • We are building something scalable, reputable, and physician-led