ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mars

Sr. Principal Engineer - Wet

Franklin, TN

Sr. Principal Engineer - Wet The Sr. Principal Engineer role leads the R&D delivery of high stakes ... Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles. * Join a purpose ...

Mars

Principal Project Engineer

Jackson, TN · On-site

Work with R&D and global technical teams to support the development of technology platforms for ... Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. * Join a purpose ...

Integrated Resources INC

Sr.CRA

Nashville, TN

Information Technology (IT), Clinical Research, Rehabilitation Therapy and Nursing. Summary of Key ... the principal point of contact for investigational sites Document and report on clinical study ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Research Associate JobsPrincipal Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Principal Research Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$14

$29

$42

How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal research associate in Tennessee is $29.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $33.61 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 Tennessee are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

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

Principal Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,432 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Principal Physics Consultant - AI Training

micro1 AI

Murfreesboro, TN • Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Role Title: Physics Expert (Professor / Principal Investigator)


Role Type: Contractor.


Location: Remote


micro1 is engaging Physics Experts—established Professors or Principal Investigators—to provide high-level domain guidance as part of an impactful project for a customer. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.


Scope of Work

  1. Adjudicate and render expert judgment on contested or competing physics arguments, solutions, or interpretations within your subfield.
  2. Compare alternative approaches to the same problem, detailing which is superior, under what assumptions, and in which regimes.
  3. Identify and articulate meta-level criteria for evaluating the robustness and validity of competing physics work, such as key assumptions and breaking points of approximations.
  4. Exercise calibrated confidence by providing authoritative assessments while transparently acknowledging genuine uncertainty or open questions in the field.
  5. Draft defensible written evaluations suitable for review by fellow senior physicists, ensuring clarity and rigor.
  6. Leverage technical tools such as LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter to verify or contrast technical claims as needed.
  7. Clearly communicate when a question is unresolved within the field and delineate the pertinent considerations.


Preferred Qualifications

  1. PhD in physics with demonstrated expertise and scholarly impact in your specified subfield.
  2. Current or former Associate Professor, Full Professor, Chair Professor, or Principal Investigator/Group Leader with a track record of independent research leadership.
  3. Ongoing research activity in one or more of these areas: High Energy Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biophysics, Statistical Physics, Condensed Matter, AMO/Quantum Optics, Gravitation, Cosmology, Astrophysics, Quantum Information, or Optical Properties of Materials.
  4. 3–5 recent representative publications in your target subfield, with arXiv or DOI references.
  5. Prior experience supervising PhD students or postdocs, or equivalent leadership in industry research settings.
  6. Proficiency with LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter (please indicate any gaps in experience with these tools).
  7. Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to articulate nuanced and well-reasoned judgments.

Apply