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Professional Researcher Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Uphold rigorous standards in documentation and reproducibility consistent with professional research practice. Preferred Qualifications * PhD in physics or advanced-stage PhD candidacy, with active ...

Uphold rigorous standards in documentation and reproducibility consistent with professional research practice. Preferred Qualifications * PhD in physics or advanced-stage PhD candidacy, with active ...

Uphold rigorous standards in documentation and reproducibility consistent with professional research practice. Preferred Qualifications * PhD in physics or advanced-stage PhD candidacy, with active ...

Uphold rigorous standards in documentation and reproducibility consistent with professional research practice. Preferred Qualifications * PhD in physics or advanced-stage PhD candidacy, with active ...

Uphold rigorous standards in documentation and reproducibility consistent with professional research practice. Preferred Qualifications * PhD in physics or advanced-stage PhD candidacy, with active ...

Utilizes telephone and electronic verification processes professionally and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures to support timely candidate hiring decisions. This is a ...

Utilizes telephone and electronic verification processes professionally and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures to support timely candidate hiring decisions. This is hybrid ...

Utilizes telephone and electronic verification processes professionally and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures to support timely candidate hiring decisions. This is a ...

Utilizes telephone and electronic verification processes professionally and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures to support timely candidate hiring decisions. This is a ...

Utilizes telephone and electronic verification processes professionally and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures to support timely candidate hiring decisions. This is hybrid ...

Utilizes telephone and electronic verification processes professionally and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures to support timely candidate hiring decisions. This is hybrid ...

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Professional Researcher information

See Tennessee salary details

$27.2K

$102.7K

$149.3K

How much do professional researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional researcher in Tennessee is $102,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $139,800.00 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Professional Researcher job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,653 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Research Operations Support Professional

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16961 

­­Overview:

We are seeking an operations support professional to meet expanding needs for operational excellence to accomplish the ORNL cutting-edge scientific research mission. This position will work as part of an integrated team that has responsibility for operations and facility management tasks associated with work control and facility operations in support of science and engineering activities. Additionally, these positions will provide operational and project management support to research staff to maintain compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, DOE Orders, and ORNL policies and procedures regarding work control, space utilization, and facility operations management. This position resides in the Integrated Research Operations Support group in the Work Management Division (WMD) and will be matrixed to support the Chemicals Sciences Division (CSD) of the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a Division work control point-of-contact (POC)/Work Planner for work control documents for hazard identification and control (i.e. Research Safety Summaries (RSSs), Activity Plans, activity based hazard analysis (ABHA), etc.). In so doing, coordinates work control reviews to ensure sufficient peer and subject matter expert (SME) review and to ensure all documents are approved and authorized within the proper timeframe.
  • Facilitate completion of the operational activities deemed necessary through the work control process or as requested by researchers to enable research objectives in a manner that ensures the safe and compliant execution of the research mission.
  • Serve as a Facilities Operations Manager (FOM) for select facilities to ensure the facility is maintained within facility use agreement boundaries, facility work orders/statements of work are submitted to support research objectives, operated in accordance with approved lease agreements for leased facilities, space is efficiently and effectively used, access control is maintained, and emergency preparedness requirements are met.
  • Serve as a Hazardous Materials Management representative to assist research staff with maintaining, organizing, and reconciling chemical inventories.
  • Abide by and promote the Battelle Safe Conduct of Research principles including being personally responsible for ensuring safe operations, raising safety concerns, using a questioning attitude, considering hazards for every task and where learning never stops.
  • Continually seek ways to increase operational efficiencies and improve safety culture in support of the research mission and champion initiatives to do so.
  • Coordinate facility operations and prioritize infrastructure improvements.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A BS/BA degree in a science, engineering, health and safety, operational discipline or relevant technical field (e.g. chemical/physical sciences, health and safety, industrial hygiene, environmental management, project management, engineering, operations, etc.).
  • A minimum of 2 years relevant technical work experience in operations, research, quality, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with various software platforms such as Share Point, Power BI, Microsoft Office applications, etc.
  • Experience working as a team player in an ever-changing, multi-discipline, multi-task and integrated/functional organizational environment which requires interfacing with management, researchers, facility users/visitors and operations staff.
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary R&D environment or supporting industrial, radiological, nuclear or secure facilities and operations.
  • Knowledge and background in chemical/material identification and evaluation along with experience in hazard analysis and exposure assessment activities.
  • Demonstrated excellence in leadership, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Experience with work control processes in a research and development environment and/or industrial environment.
  • Ability to work independently, under pressure, with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills and ability to meet inflexible deadlines on own initiative.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
  • Experience in the DOE system and ORNL systems such as the Research Hazard Analysis and Control System, Integrated Safety Management, SAMS, the Facility Service Center, and the Hazardous Material Management Information System. 

Special Requirements:

  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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