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Principal Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fujitsu

Principal Researcher

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$187K - $210K/yr

The quantum research group in Fujitsu Research of America (FRA) is seeking an exceptional researcher to develop technologies that will be incorporated into Fujitsu's future quantum computer hardware.

Fujitsu

Principal Researcher

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$167K - $250K/yr

FUJITSU RESEARCH OF AMERICA, INC. (FRA) was established in 1993 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd., focusing on contributing ...

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal researcher in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a principal researcher typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research organization?

Principal Researchers often play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and other departments such as product development, engineering, and marketing. They lead research initiatives and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that research insights are translated into actionable strategies. This collaboration usually involves regular meetings, presenting findings, and advising on the implications of research outcomes. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as Principal Researchers often mentor junior researchers and help align project goals across teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Researcher, you need advanced expertise in your field, a doctoral degree or equivalent experience, and a strong publication record. Familiarity with specialized research tools, statistical analysis software, and project management systems is often required. Leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and convey complex findings. These skills are essential for driving innovative research, securing funding, and advancing knowledge within your discipline.

What is the difference between Principal Researcher vs Senior Research Scientist?

AspectPrincipal ResearcherSenior Research Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), extensive research experienceMaster's or PhD, significant research background
Work EnvironmentLeading research projects, strategic planningConducting experiments, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, academiaR&D departments, scientific organizations

The Principal Researcher typically holds a higher leadership role, overseeing multiple projects and setting research directions, while the Senior Research Scientist focuses more on executing research tasks and experiments. Both roles require advanced degrees and substantial research experience, but the Principal Researcher often has broader strategic responsibilities.

How much do principal researchers make?

Principal researchers typically earn a median salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and have extensive research experience, which can influence compensation levels.

What does a principal researcher do?

A principal researcher leads research projects, designs experiments, analyzes data, and develops new knowledge or technologies within their field. They often oversee research teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and publish findings, requiring strong analytical skills and expertise in relevant tools or methodologies.
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Principal Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Researcher

University of Chicago Library

Harper, KS

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department

Booth Faculty Research - Research Professional


About the Department

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.
Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
-an unmatched faculty.
-degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
-a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni.
-strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.
As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.


Job Summary

The Principal Researcher provides a supportive research environment to a highly qualified recent PhD. The Principal Researcher collaborates with Professor Sarah Jabbour to enable Professor Jabbour's research under her direction. The PR will be a major collaborator on scholarly work, and may be required to present that research at academic conferences.
This position is expected to last one year with the possibility of a second.

Responsibilities

  • Conducts collaborative research with faculty to be presented at academic forums and published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
  • Collects data and conducts statistical analysis.
  • Conducts literature reviews and performs research.
  • Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
  • Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • ABD status by start date.
  • PhD by start date in a field relevant to the research being conducted.
  • PhD after one year of employment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch.

Preferred Competencies

  • Outstanding verbal and written skills.
  • Organizational and attention to detail skills.
  • Work independently with little supervision.
  • Self-motivated disposition.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes.

Working Conditions

  • This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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