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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 ...

Research Associate

Worcester, MA · On-site

$47.50K/yr

JOB TITLE Research Associate LOCATION Worcester DEPARTMENT NAME Biology & Biotechnology - NFR JM ... Principal Investigator - Reeta Rao Works closely with: Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers ...

Research Associate

New York, NY · On-site

$75.50K/yr

Job: Research Associate Working collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), the research associate's primary responsibility is to design and carry out experiments to express and purify ...

Job: Research Associate Working collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), the research associate's primary responsibility is to design and carry out experiments to express and purify ...

Details Open Date 03/12/2026 Requisition Number PRN44458B Job Title Research Associate Working ... Makes recommendations to respective Principal Investigator (PI) as to preferable methods of ...

Details Open Date 03/12/2026 Requisition Number PRN44458B Job Title Research Associate Working ... Makes recommendations to respective Principal Investigator (PI) as to preferable methods of ...

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Principal Research Associate information

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How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Research Associate

$37.58K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

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Career Opportunities at UDC >> Research Associate
Research Associate
Summary
Title: Research Associate ID: 2530 Department: College of Arts and Sciences Location: UDC- Main Campus Van Ness Campus - NW
Description

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: UDC Agency Only 
Employment Status: Part-time, Temporary (less than 30 hours)

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: Grade 8 Step 4

Salary Range:  $37,582

Closing Date: June 3, 2024
Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Brief Description of Duties

The Implicit Beliefs and Unlimited Potential (IB-UP) Lab at the University of the District of Columbia, seeks to hire a Research Associate (RA) with research interest in implicit theories of intelligence, faculty beliefs, learning contexts and the experiences, persistence and achievement of minoritized STEM students at HBCUs. The tentative appointment period for the position is May 2024 through May 2025.

The Research Associate's primary contributions will be in assisting the Principal Investigator (PI) and Postdoctoral Scholar with survey and interview tool development, data collection, quantitative research analyzes (including data checking, cleaning and coding), writing and submitting co-authored manuscripts for publication, supporting workshops and presenting the research to multiple stakeholders including at national conferences and through case studies and modules.

                                                                                                                                               
Essential Duties and Responsibilities                                          

  • Conduct high quality research on Learning environments and Psychosocial factors that impact educational outcomes for minoritized students.
  • Support recruitment and data collection and organization efforts.
  • Preparing and cleaning data for analysis.
  • Work closely with undergraduate students and contribute to joint projects.
  • Present and publish research findings at conferences and peer reviewed publications.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in psychology, or a related area is required by the time of appointment.
  • A demonstrated ability to work/collaborate with others and work independently.
  • Evidence of a strong commitment to support and uplift students from groups underrepresented in STEM.

Required Competencies

  • Eagerness to learn and a commitment to engaging in high quality research
  • Higher level data analysis skills and competencies (e.g., HLM, CFA, EFA)
  • Interest in producing research publications
  • Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated competence in research.                                                                          

Information to Applicant

Condition of Employment:  This is a sponsored program appointment. The duration of this appointment is subject to grant fund availability.   

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia's retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.
Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.
Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5020.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal opportunity/.

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