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Principal Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deep Genomics

Principal Research Associate

Cambridge, MA

$115K - $135K/yr

About the role The Principal Research Associate will join our Platform Biology team and will be a key player in driving our cutting-edge AI RNA therapeutics discovery platform. In this role, you will ...

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Deep Genomics

Principal Research Associate

Cambridge, MA

$115K - $135K/yr

About the role The Principal Research Associate will join our Platform Biology team and will be a key player in driving our cutting-edge AI RNA therapeutics discovery platform. In this role, you will ...

New

UNC-Chapel Hill

Research Associate

Chapel Hill, NC

Sheps Center is recruiting a Research Associate to provide quantitative data management and ... Principal functions include: (a) collecting, cleaning, managing, and documenting research data; (b ...

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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 31, 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, 69% Full Time, 28% 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.

Analytical Development Principal Research Associate

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Boston, MA • On-site

$100K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Vertex Pharmaceuticals rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description
Job Title: Analytical Development Principal Research Associate
Job Location: 316-318 Northern Ave, Boston, 02210
Openings: 1
Job Type: Full Time
Duties:
  • Design, develop, execute and analyze characterization and release assays for identity, purity, strength and potency of cell- based products. Multiple analytical platforms will be employed including RT-qPCR, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, Western blots, Flow cytometry, Flow-cam, ddPCR, Alphalisa and cell- based functional/ potency assays.
  • Execute test methods in support of pluripotent stem cell Process Development activities.
  • Troubleshoot, optimize, and trend assay performance.
  • Report on project progress, write analytical development protocols and reports, provide recommendations to management.
  • Identify, qualify, and manage analytical reagents as per regulatory standards.
  • Establish assay design criteria using Design of Experiments (DOE) and other contemporary development tools.
  • Perform statistical analysis to establish specificity, sensitivity, linear range, precision, and accuracy of test methods.
  • Establish reference standard materials as required to support assay validation.
  • Transfer assays to QC and provide SME support for assay qualification, author transfer/qualification protocols and reports.
  • Maintain excellent written documentation (e.g. lab notebook and test forms).

Requirements:
  • Employer will accept a Master's degree in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology or a related field and 2 years of experience in the job offered or in a Analytical Development Principal Research Associate-related occupation.
  • Alternatively, employer will accept a Bachelor's degree Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology or a related field and 6 years of experience in the job offered or in a Analytical Development Principal Research Associate-related occupation.
  • Position requires demonstrable experience in the following:
  • Developing analytical methods in compliance with ICH guidelines. Assisting with the following assay platforms: RT-qPCR, ELISA, Western blots, Flow cytometry or cell- based functional/ potency assays. Assisting with the culture of multiple mammalian cell types and combination drug product (Cells + device) Using literature to design proof of concept studies. Writing technical documents including development reports, qualification protocols and qualification reports.

Rate of Pay: $100,755.00 to $128,500.00 per year
CONTACT: Send Resume to futuretalent@vrtx.com. Reference 12140.579. EOE.
Pay Range:
$0 - $0
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
On-Site Designated
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
#LI-Onsite
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com

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