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Principal Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howard

Research Associate

Seeley, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $57K/yr

The Research Associate works under the direction of the Principal Investigator and designated study team members and collaborates with multidisciplinary healthcare and research professionals. NATURE ...

Howard University

Research Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $57K/yr

The Research Associate works under the direction of the Principal Investigator and designated study team members and collaborates with multidisciplinary healthcare and research professionals. NATURE ...

University of Miami

Sr. Research Associate 2

Miami, FL · On-site

The Sr. Research Associate 2 will work closely with other members of the research team including research associates 1, research coordinators, the principal investigator, the statistician and the ...

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Principal Research Associate information

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How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Research Associate vs Senior Research Associate?

AspectPrincipal Research AssociateSenior Research Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD, relevant research experienceMaster's degree, significant research experience
Work EnvironmentLead research projects, mentor junior staffConduct research, support project goals
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academiaSimilar industries, often overlapping roles

The Principal Research Associate typically holds a higher level of responsibility, leading projects and mentoring others, whereas the Senior Research Associate focuses on executing research tasks and supporting project objectives. Both roles require advanced degrees and research experience, but the Principal Research Associate is more involved in strategic planning and leadership within research teams.

What is a Principal Research Associate?

A Principal Research Associate is a senior-level research professional who leads and manages scientific research projects within an organization, often in academia, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, supervising junior staff, and ensuring that the research meets regulatory and quality standards. Principal Research Associates often collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to publications, and may be involved in grant writing or project proposals. This role requires significant experience in the field, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of research methodologies.

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

To thrive as a Principal Research Associate, you typically need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, strong expertise in experimental design, and significant hands-on laboratory experience. Proficiency with specialized lab equipment, data analysis software (such as GraphPad Prism or FlowJo), and familiarity with regulatory standards like GLP or GMP are often required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and leadership abilities help you excel in managing projects and mentoring junior staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for generating reliable research results, ensuring compliance, and driving scientific innovation within the organization.

How does a Principal Research Associate typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research setting?

As a Principal Research Associate, you will frequently work alongside scientists, project managers, and other research professionals to advance complex studies. Collaboration often involves coordinating experimental design, sharing data, and troubleshooting protocols with team members from different specialties, such as analytical chemistry, biology, or clinical operations. Clear communication and the ability to translate technical findings for non-specialist colleagues are key. This collaborative environment not only accelerates project milestones but also provides opportunities to learn from diverse experts and contribute to multidisciplinary solutions.
What cities are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:
What states have the most Principal Research Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Research Associate jobs include:
Principal Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Senior / Principal Research Associate, Cancer Biology

Senior / Principal Research Associate, Cancer Biology

Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company

South San Francisco, CA

$50 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Senior / Principal Research Associate, Cancer BiologySenior / Principal Research Associate, Cancer Biology

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

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Direct message the job poster from Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company

Yoh is seeking a driven, detail-oriented, and lab-focused Senior or Principal Research Associate, Cancer Biology to join our team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing and executing cell-based assays and developing innovative platforms to evaluate our proprietary compounds. You’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to advance the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics. The final title will be based on your experience and qualifications.
Industry: Discovery and Development
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Compensation: $50-$60 per hour (based upon experience)
Type: Contract
Key Responsibilities:

  • Independently design and carry out research experiments.
  • Conduct in vitro cellular assays to profile compounds and investigate mechanisms of action for potential anti-cancer drugs.
  • Engineer and maintain cell lines for use in screening assays.
  • Culture and maintain both tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cell lines.
  • Perform cell-based assays such as CellTiter-Glo (CTG), IncuCyte imaging, and colony formation to assess cell viability and proliferation.
  • Analyze experimental data and prepare presentations using PowerPoint.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize assays to ensure data quality and reproducibility.
  • Collaborate closely with research scientists to align experimental work with project goals.
  • Present findings and updates in team and project meetings.
Qualifications:
  • B.S. or M.S. degree in cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of relevant research experience, ideally in drug discovery in pharmaceutical or biotech.
  • Strong expertise in mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques.
  • Hands-on experience with cell viability assays, RNA interference (siRNA/shRNA), small molecule screening, western blotting, qRT-PCR, and other molecular biology techniques.
  • Familiarity with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence is a plus.
  • Experience with 3D spheroid assays is advantageous.
  • Proven ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot cell-based assays.
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and timelines.
  • High attention to detail and a passion for integrating scientific research with drug discovery.

Estimated Min Rate: $50.00
Estimated Max Rate: $60.00
#IND-SPG
What’s In It for You?
We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh’s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh’s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh’s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements. Benefits include:
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • MetLife Voluntary Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
  • Referral Bonus Programs
  • Certification and training opportunities
Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.
Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.
For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.Seniority level
  • Seniority levelNot Applicable
Employment type
  • Employment typeContract
Job function
  • Job functionResearch and Science
  • IndustriesPharmaceutical Manufacturing and Research Services

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