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Principal Research Associate Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Senior Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Department Public Policy Research ... Assists the Principal Investigator with research activities, including project planning, sponsor ...

Submit all resulting publications to the ARS Principal Investigator for inclusion in the USDAARS ... Research Associate will work alongside USDA-ARS scientists, contribute to teambased research ...

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Principal Research Associate information

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$15

$30

$43

How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal research associate in Texas is $30.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $34.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a principal research associate make?

A principal research associate typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and have specialized skills in research methodologies and data analysis.

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 in Texas are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,059 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

$41K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Research Associate I
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Hiring Department:
Department of Psychiatry
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027
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Location:
AUSTIN, TX
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Job Details:
General Notes
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Associate I. This is a grant funded position with an end date of 8/31/2027, renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward research goals.
This position will provide research assistance/support for research projects in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Austin working as part of a team of faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate assistants.
Purpose
The Research Associate I supports scientific research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role typically reports to a Principal Investigator or Senior Research Scientist and works closely with other research staff, including Research Technicians and Laboratory Assistants. The Research Associate I is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, contributing to research publications, and assisting in the development of new research protocols.
Responsibilities
Participant Assessments
  • Reviews medical records.
  • Conducts screenings for study recruitment.
  • Executes data collection procedure and assessment.
  • Assists with subject recruitment.

Data Analysis
  • Analyze research data using statistical software and tools.
  • Interpret results and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.
  • Assist in the preparation of research publications and presentations.
  • Assist with manuscripts and publications by drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring adherence to publication guidelines.

Study Management
  • Helps with subject management, including phone calls and general coordination to schedule patients for study visits and follow-ups, and reimbursement.
  • Work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), clinicians, and other research staff to facilitate study operations.
  • Work both independently and as part of a team to achieve project goals. Perform administrative and coordinating tasks pertaining to study management.

Collaboration and Communication
  • Work closely with other research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.
  • Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.
  • Communicate effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders.

Protocol Development
  • Assist in the development and optimization of research protocols.
  • Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.
  • Assist with IRB submission and management by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission and approval.

Other Job Duties may apply as assigned
MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:
Training and Mentorship
• Provide training and guidance to new research staff and interns.
• Assist in the onboarding process for new team members.
Grant Writing Support
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.
• Provide data and information to support grant submissions.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Interpreting experimental results, identifying trends in data, troubleshooting experimental issues.
• Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the precision of experiments.
• Effective in conveying research findings and collaborating with team members.
• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and scientific software.
• Coordinating experiments with colleagues, participating in team discussions, supporting team goals.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field. Basic engineering and/or scientific equipment ordinarily used in college laboratory work.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
According to Executive Order No. GA-48 of the State of Texas: for all positions that research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), Business and Commerce Code, it is required that both candidates for employment and employees have the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with projects involving Human subject research.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
Experience with REDCap.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
• None.
Salary Range
$41,000 + depending on qualifications
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT
• Standard office equipment
• Repetitive use of a keyboard
Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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