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Principal Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deep Genomics

Principal Research Associate

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Deep Genomics

Principal Research Associate

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$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 ...

Virginia Tech

Research Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Research / Scientific The Research Associate conducts research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior project staff, applying both standard and non-standard methods ...

The University of Miami

Research Associate 1

Miami, FL · On-site

Department Specific Functions The Research Associate will work closely with other members of the research team including Sr. research associates, research coordinators, the principal investigator ...

University of Miami

Research Associate 1

Miami, FL

Department Specific Functions The Research Associate will work closely with other members of the research team including Sr. research associates, research coordinators, the principal investigator ...

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How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

The top employers for Principal Research Associate jobs are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% 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.

Principal Research Associate

Deep Genomics

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Us 
Deep Genomics is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence and complex biology to transform drug discovery. Our proprietary machine learning platform decodes the complexity of RNA biology to identify novel drug targets, mechanisms and therapeutics inaccessible through traditional methods. With expertise spanning machine learning, drug development, bioinformatics, data science, genetics and chemistry, our multidisciplinary team in Toronto and Cambridge, MA is revolutionizing how medicines are created.
 
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 be responsible for helping characterize our novel compounds, including performing automated high-throughput arrayed screening, as well as downstream characterization of these molecules. Further, you will be instrumental in helping develop, optimise and implement novel cellular and protein assays to advance our internal therapeutics portfolio. The ideal candidate will have strong cell biology expertise, and hands-on experience using primary hepatocyte cells. Relevant knowledge of RNA modalities such as ADAR, ASO, mRNA and/or siRNAs is also highly beneficial. The successful candidate should demonstrate initiative, technical ownership and be able to thrive in a dynamic work environment with cross-functional teams working together to achieve company goals.
 
This position is onsite at our Cambridge, MA site.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, optimise and execute robust cell-based assays, to support compound screens and lead optimisation.
  • Culture, maintain and transfect a variety of mammalian cell lines, such as immortalized cell lines, primary cells and co-culture systems, and onboard new cell types and systems to enable drug discovery.
  • Examine important molecular and functional endpoints in vitro, including RNA and protein readouts, to better understand our molecules in our internal therapeutic pipeline.
  • Perform standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, qPCR, Jess/Leo Automated Westerns, ELISA, Western blot, etc.).
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team in a dynamic, matrixed environment to achieve shared company deadlines, and communicate experimental design and findings with colleagues and project teams.
  • Clearly document experiments, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
Basic Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry or a related field with 4+ years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience growing, maintaining and transfecting mammalian cell lines.
  • Good understanding of molecular and cell biology.
  • Experienced in design and execution of molecular and cellular assays, including documentation in an electronic lab notebook (ELN). 
  • Excellent communication, organizational skills and a willingness to learn.
  • Ability to prioritise and drive work independently in a fast-paced, technical and data-rich environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience using primary hepatocytes is strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in automated Western blotting methods, such as the Jess/Leo platforms.
  • Flow cytometric experience is a plus.
  • Experience with high-throughput liquid handlers (e.g. Beckman Echo, Agilent Bravo and/or Hamilton STAR/STAR V).
  • Next-generation sequencing library preparation, e.g. amplicon sequencing.
  • Past experience with RNA editing and/or RNA oligonucleotides.
  • Demonstrated experience working in cross-functional teams.
What We Offer
  • A collaborative and innovative environment at the frontier of computational biology, machine learning, and drug discovery. 
  • Highly competitive compensation, including meaningful stock ownership.
  • Comprehensive benefits - including health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and families, employee and family assistance program. 
  • Flexible work environment - including flexible hours, extended long weekends, holiday shutdown, unlimited personal days.
  • Maternity and parental leave top-up coverage, as well as new parent paid time off. 
  • Focus on learning and growth for all employees - learning and development budget & lunch and learns.
  • Facilities located in the heart of Toronto - the epicenter of machine learning and AI research and development, and in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Mass. - a global center of biotechnology and life sciences.
Deep Genomics encourages applications from all backgrounds who seek the opportunity to build the world's leading AI-driven genetic medicine company. 
 
If you have a disability or special need, accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
 
 
*This posting reflects a current vacancy. 
 
We offer competitive compensation aligned with local market benchmarks. The salary range for this role is $115,000 - 135,000, and reflects Cambridge, USA-based roles. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.