1

Principal Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$139K - $244K/yr

Research and Policy * Conduct social policy research, using a variety of research methods. * Provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance to a wide variety of researchers, policymakers ...

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 ...

HSC C Shift: 1 The Research Associate will support both the AI-driven and Structure-Based Drug Discovery Core and the Principal Investigator's research program at The University of Toledo. This ...

New

Research Associates work under the general supervision of a Principal Investigator (Pl) and may work as part toof a team under the direct supervision of more senior lab personnel. Research Associates ...

Overview The Research Associate will provide critical support to the Principal Investigator (PI) and Senior Project Manager across multiple Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) projects ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Research Associate information

See salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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 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 are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:
What states have the most Principal Research Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Research Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% 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.
Sr. Research Associate 2

Sr. Research Associate 2

The University of Miami

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 23 days ago


University Of Miami rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees:
If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet.
Sr. Research Associate 2
The University of Miami/UHealth department of Neurology-Neuromuscular Division has an exciting opportunity for a Full Time Sr. Research Associate 2 to work at the UHealth Medical Campus. The Sr. Research Associate 2 will work closely with other members of the research team including research associates 1, research coordinators, the principal investigator, the statistician and the data managers. The ideal candidate will be able to commit a minimum of two years to working in the research group.
Core Responsibilities
  • Contributes to basic and applied research activities by collecting and analyzing data and maintaining databases.
  • Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
  • Participates in the publication of significant results.
  • Advances expertise through continued education, training, and research.
  • Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Department Specific Functions
The Sr. Research Associate 2 will work closely with other members of the research team including research associates 1, research coordinators, the principal investigator, the statistician and the data managers. The ideal candidate will be able to commit a minimum of two years to working in the research group.
  • Acquire an understanding of the research program and the details of specific research projects Independently assist research coordinators in:
  • Study recruitment and enrollment
  • Obtaining informed consent from study participants
  • Collecting family history information and constructing pedigrees
  • Coordinating study visits (including travel arrangements for study participants from out-of-town)
  • Collecting research data, including the performance of study procedures, completion and scanning of source documents, and data entry
  • Maintaining communication with study participants in-between study visits
  • Administer neuropsychological test batteries Train junior staff and research associate
  • Participate in patient/community outreach activities
  • Perform general clerical (e.g. filing) and other duties as assigned by the principal investigator Perform other duties, as assigned by the PI

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's Degree in relevant field
  • Minimum 1 year of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:
  • Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
  • Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.
UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Staff

What University Of Miami employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Miami logo

About University of Miami

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Miami, located in the beautiful Coral Gables, Florida, is a comprehensive, private research institution in the United States. Operating within the higher education industry, the institution offers a multitude of degree programs spanning over 180 majors and program through its 12 colleges. The University was founded in 1925 with the mission to disseminate knowledge, transform lives, and change the world - a mission it has held faithfully to this day. Notably, the University of Miami has gained global recognition for its commitment to research and innovation, with over $324 million in research and sponsored project funding awarded annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Coral Gables, FL, US

Year founded

1925