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Principal Research Associate Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Principal Landscape Architect

Omaha, NE

$66K - $90K/yr

From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and ... In the role of Associate Principal Landscape Architect, we'll count on you to: * Conduct site ...

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Principal Research Associate information

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$15

$31

$44

How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal research associate in Nebraska is $31.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $35.29 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 in Nebraska are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Nebraska with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:

Principal Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,535 per year, or $31 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

University Of Nebraska Medical Center rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 1,061 rated hospitals

Job description

GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION
EEO Statement:
UNMC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Location Omaha, NE Requisition Number: 2025 - 303 Department Neurological Sciences 50001975 Business Unit(College/Institute) College of Medicine FTE:
100
Reg-Temp Full-Time Regular Work Schedule As directed by supervisor Requisition Category Research - Academic Requisition Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Title/Academic Rank Postdoctoral Research Associate Additional Requisition Title Appointment Type A1 - REG OTHER ACAD SAL Salary Range Salary Commensurate with Experience Job/EEO Category Professional Non-Faculty (Includes Other Academic) Job Requisition Begin Date 12/16/2025
Position Qualification
Position Summary
The Department of Neurological Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) seeks a post-doctoral research associate that will work in the laboratory of Dr. Peng Zhong (principal investigator/PI) with the PI and his research team to plan, develop, implement, and conduct research projects at UNMC. Dr. Zhong's laboratory is interested in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the bidirectional relationship between sleep and neurodegenerative (i.e., Alzheimer's disease), neuropsychiatric diseases (i.e., drug addiction). Taking advantage of multiple state-of-the-art techniques (e.g., gene profiling, virus-mediated circuit tracing, calcium imaging/optrode recording, fiber photometry, EEG/EMG recordings, patch clamp slice recording, optogenetic/chemogenetic manipulation, and gene manipulation), the PI's lab plan to interrogate the neural circuits controlling sleep/wake and studying the pathophysiology of sleep circuits in the generation of sleep disorders. Duties involve experimental design, data collection, data analyses, and preparation of scholarly products. Scholarly products will include peer-reviewed publications, conference abstracts, extramural grant applications and progress reports.
Postdoctoral Research Associate will also assist with mouse colony management and histological studies.
For consideration and to apply for this position, applicants must submit a current CV, a brief statement of research interests (one paragraph), and the names and contact information of three references tohttps://unmc.peopleadmin.com/postings/94522
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in an appropriate scientific field (e.g., neuroscience, molecular biology)
Supplemental Qualifications
1. Strong scientific writing skills and excellent communication skills, good early track record of submitted or published peer-reviewed articles, exceptional organizational skills, ability to work as a team member and ability to advise and supervise more junior laboratory personnel.
2. Experience with optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry, microendoscopy and in vivo electrophysiological recording.
3. Experience with whole-cell brain slice electrophysiological recordings.
4. Experience with molecular biology, neuroanatomy and mouse behavior.
5. Experience with programming in languages including Python, R, MATLAB is highly desired.

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