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Professional Researcher Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa State University

Research Scientist II

Ames, IA · On-site

Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead animal immunogenetics ...

Whiterabbit.ai

Work with doctors and healthcare professionals to identify serious problems and leverage their domain expertise to build robust solutions * Remain an active contributor to the research community by ...

Whiterabbit.ai

Work with doctors and healthcare professionals to identify serious problems and leverage their domain expertise to build robust solutions * Remain an active contributor to the research community by ...

Whiterabbit.ai

Work with doctors and healthcare professionals to identify serious problems and leverage their domain expertise to build robust solutions * Remain an active contributor to the research community by ...

Whiterabbit.ai

Work with doctors and healthcare professionals to identify serious problems and leverage their domain expertise to build robust solutions * Remain an active contributor to the research community by ...

Iowa State University

Research Scientist III

Ames, IA · On-site

Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience The Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) at Iowa State University is seeking a ...

Whiterabbit.ai

Work with doctors and healthcare professionals to identify serious problems and leverage their domain expertise to build robust solutions * Remain an active contributor to the research community by ...

Whiterabbit.ai

Work with doctors and healthcare professionals to identify serious problems and leverage their domain expertise to build robust solutions * Remain an active contributor to the research community by ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsProfessional Researcher JobsProfessional Researcher Jobs in Iowa

Professional Researcher information

See Iowa salary details

$28.2K

$106.2K

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How much do professional researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional researcher in Iowa is $106,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $144,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional researcher?

A Professional Researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support decision-making in various fields such as academia, business, science, or government. They use various research methods, including data collection, literature reviews, and qualitative or quantitative analysis. Their work often involves synthesizing findings into reports, presentations, or publications. Professional Researchers must have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

What does a professional researcher do?

A Professional Researcher typically engages in designing and conducting studies, gathering and analyzing data, and synthesizing findings into reports or presentations. They may collaborate closely with other researchers, subject matter experts, or stakeholders to shape research questions and ensure the validity of results. Daily tasks often include literature reviews, data collection (such as interviews or surveys), drafting grant proposals, and presenting outcomes at team meetings. This role combines independent work with frequent collaboration, offering variety and opportunities to build deep expertise in a chosen field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional researcher?

To thrive as a Professional Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, expertise in data collection and analysis, and a relevant advanced degree, such as a master's or Ph.D., depending on the field. Proficiency with research databases, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), and familiarity with citation management tools or industry-specific certifications are often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help researchers excel in compiling and reporting their findings. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous, high-quality research and effectively disseminating insights to stakeholders.

Do I need a PhD to be a professional researcher?

A PhD is not always required to be a professional researcher, as many roles value relevant experience, analytical skills, and subject matter expertise. However, certain research positions, especially in academia or specialized fields, may prefer or require a doctoral degree. Skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and familiarity with research tools are also important for success in this role.

What kind of professional researcher makes the most money?

Senior-level research positions such as market research directors, data science researchers, or scientific research managers tend to earn the highest salaries among professional researchers. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills in data analysis or scientific methods, and leadership responsibilities, which contribute to higher compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Researcher jobs in Iowa?

For Professional Researcher jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Researcher jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Researcher jobs in Iowa are:

Professional Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Researcher job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,233 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Research Scientist II

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:Research Scientist IIJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experienceJob Description:

Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead animal immunogenetics research in dairy cattle. This position offers an opportunity to advance research addressing important questions in cattle health, immunity, and genetics while working collaboratively with scientists at Iowa State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC).

The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across all aspects of research, including experimental design, data collection, logistical planning, data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of scientific publications. The position requires an individual who is comfortable working across both large-animal research and laboratory environments, including wet- and dry-lab activities.

What You'll Do

  • Lead dairy cattle immunogenetics research from experimental design through data collection, analysis, interpretation, and publication.

  • Design and coordinate large-animal experiments, including logistical planning and laboratory activities.

  • Conduct and oversee wet- and dry-lab research and analyze complex scientific data.

  • Collaborate with Iowa State University and USDA-ARS NADC scientists, serving as a liaison to coordinate research activities, facilities, and resources.

  • Communicate research findings through presentations, seminars, reports, scientific meetings, and peer-reviewed publications.

  • Develop new research directions and collaborations and contribute to research funding opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with dairy cattle.

  • Bioinformatics data analysis experience using UNIX/ Command line tools

  • Wet lab experience in a molecular genetics lab

  • Experience overseeing diagnostic molecular genetics work

  • Experience teaching students bioinformatics using command line tools

  • Track record of successfully publishing animal genetics/genomics results

  • Previous experience conducting, analyzing, and overseeing animal health genetics experiments

This is a one-year term position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

  • Life insurance and long-term disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)Proposed End Date or Length of Term:September 20, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:PS808Original Posting Date:August 12, 2026Posting Close Date:August 19, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19754

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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