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Principal Research Associate Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

$60K - $99K/yr

Work under the Principal Investigator's (PI) guidance to meet the research objectives of the ... Collaborate with sponsor's research associates during monitoring activities by providing study ...

$60K - $99K/yr

Works under the Principal Investigator's (PI) guidance to meet the research objectives of the ... Collaborates with sponsor's research associates during monitoring activities by providing study ...

$64K - $80K/yr

Works under the Principal Investigator's (PI) guidance to meet the research objective of the ... Collaborates with sponsor's research associates during monitoring activities by providing study ...

$60K - $99K/yr

Works under the Principal Investigator's (PI) guidance to meet the research objectives of the ... Collaborates with sponsor's research associates during monitoring activities by providing study ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Research Associate information

See Missouri salary details

$15

$30

$43

How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal research associate in Missouri is $30.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.57 and $34.71 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.

Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,489 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

RN Research Nurse Coordinator I - Pediatric Clinical Research Unit

Washington University of St. Louis

On-site

$60K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Washington University In St. Louis rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

LocationSAINT LOUIS, MO 63110 Scheduled Hours40Position SummaryJoin a dedicated and dynamic team committed to advancing pediatric health. This position is in the Pediatric Clinical Research Unit (PCRU), an outpatient research unit located at St Louis Children's Hospital. It is primarily a weekday and daytime position. Position performs duties associated with the coordination and implementation of research studies including direct patient care, data collection and management of data generated by study protocols.Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Work under the Principal Investigator's (PI) guidance to meet the research objectives of the studies.
  • Provide direct patient care in accordance with protocol and patient safety, including but not limited to, patient assessments, phlebotomy, IV placement, infusion monitoring, accessing/de-accessing ports, injections, ECGs, vital signs, and other nursing skills.
  • Administer and provide oversight of administration of medications, investigational products, study interventions, as appropriate.
  • Obtain, handle, process and ship research specimens according to protocol.
  • Collect health information including monitoring for and reporting of adverse events.
  • Perform data collection, source documentation, and data entry.
  • Work with research team to: identify, screen and enroll study subjects; coordinate study procedures; and maintain continuity of care, human subject protection and research integrity.
  • Collaborate with sponsor's research associates during monitoring activities by providing study documentation, data clarifications and reports as necessary.
  • Perform other duties incidental to the work described above.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions:

  • Normal office environment.
  • Exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
  • Requires protective devices.
  • Patient care setting.
  • Direct patient care setting.

Physical Effort:

  • Typically sitting at desk or table.
  • Typically standing or walking.
  • Typically bending, crouching, stooping.
  • Occasional lifting (25 lbs. or less).


Equipment:

  • Office equipment.
  • Clinical/diagnostic equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.Required Qualifications

Education:

A diploma, certification or degree is not required.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role.Basic Life Support - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Red Cross, Registered Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Registered Nurse - Missouri Division of Professional Registration


Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
  • Current RN licensure in the state of Missouri and/or Illinois, depending on location.
  • Basic Life Support certification (Online BLS certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the BLS requirements).
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

B.S. - Bachelor of Science - Nursing, B.S.N. - Bachelor of Science in Nursing


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

Clinical Research (1 Year)

Skills:

Clinical Research, Clinical Research Coordination, Clinical Research Management, Clinical Research Methods, Clinical Research Operations, Clinical Techniques, Critical Thinking, Database Management, Effective Written Communication, Electronic Health Records (EHR), Interpersonal Relationships, Nursing Fundamentals, Oral Communications, Patient Recruitment, Spreadsheet Software, Statistical Analysis Software (SAS), Team CollaborationGradeS25Salary Range$60,000.00 - $99,900.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment ScreeningAll external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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About Washington University in St. Louis

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Washington University in St. Louis, often simply known as WashU, is a prestigious private research university in the United States. Headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, the university operates within the Education industry offering an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs encompassing various areas like arts, sciences, business, design, medicine, and engineering. Established in 1853, the university has a storied past rooted in determination, resilience, and commitment to knowledge and innovation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1853