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Principal Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Research Associate

Chapel Hill, NC · Hybrid

Joy Noel Baumgartner, Professor and Principal Investigator of the study, to assist with all project ... The Research Associate will have primary responsibility for the day-to-day project, research and ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Research Associate

Chapel Hill, NC · Hybrid

Joy Noel Baumgartner, Professor and Principal Investigator of the study, to assist with all project ... The Research Associate will have primary responsibility for the day-to-day project, research and ...

Tamus

Senior Research Associate

College Station, TX

$45K - $63K/yr

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 ...

Ohio State University

Research Associate- Neurology Department:Medicine | Neurology The Department of Neurology ... The role also assists the principal investigator in preparing grant proposals to secure new or ...

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How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

The top employers for Principal Research Associate jobs are:

What states have the most Principal Research Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Research Associate jobs include:

Principal Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% 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.

Post-Doc Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Department Pharmacology - 424001 Posting Open Date 07/15/2024 Application Deadline Open Until Filled No Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004277 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 09/03/2024 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.
Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.
Position Summary
The Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a post-doctoral research associate position in the UNC Proteomics Core Facility (proteomics.unc.edu). The post-doc will work collaboratively with the Director, other team members at the core facility and UNC researchers (faculty, post-docs, graduate students). The post-doc will contribute to a variety of ongoing and new projects in collaboration with UNC researchers involved in COVID, cancer and drug discovery research. Specific focus will be on developing and implementing methods for novel applications, and with general direction of a senior or principal researcher, lead components of a larger research project or program. Contributions will include meeting with collaborators to discuss projects, developing experimental design, wet-lab method development, sample preparation, LC-MS method development and analysis, thorough data analysis and writing reports. To establish internal partnerships with research colleague, actively develop external contacts and networks relevant to the project and for future funding opportunities.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in Chemistry, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or another life sciences discipline.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in the field of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and on-kinome profiling is required. Experience reviewing samples for proteomics analysis (in-solution/in-gel digestion, TMT labeling, PTM enrichment, peptide fractionation)
Experience with Proteome Discoverer software used to analyze proteomics data. The aptitude to lead in a team environment and mentor co-workers. The ability to analyze data independently, problem solve and work on multiple projects at the same time is required. Research experience in the field of specialization with demonstrated knowledge of equipment, biochemical laboratory techniques and procedures, and methods of analysis.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Ability to operate LC-MS instruments specifically Thermo Fisher mass spectrometry instruments Thermo QExactive, Lumos) and in-depth proteomics data analysis (using MaxQuant, Perseus, Proteome Discoverer, R) is desired. Experience in leading and overseeing research methods and techniques within the framework of the research program.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
N/A
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/284391
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Maria Montemurro, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email maria_montemurro@med.unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity, employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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