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Qualitative Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Qualitative Equity Research Analyst, you will support the building and maintenance of Syntax's database of publicly traded companies by leveraging sources such as regulatory filings, industry ...

As a Qualitative Equity Research Analyst, you will support the building and maintenance of Syntax's database of publicly traded companies by leveraging sources such as regulatory filings, industry ...

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Qualitative Research information

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How much do qualitative research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for qualitative research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Qualitative Researcher, you need expertise in research design, data collection methods such as interviews and focus groups, and a background in social sciences or related fields. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software like NVivo or ATLAS.ti and knowledge of ethical research standards are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you interpret data and convey findings to diverse audiences. These skills ensure rigorous, insightful research that informs decision-making and advances understanding in various disciplines.

What are some common challenges faced in a Qualitative Research role, and how can they be effectively managed?

A common challenge in qualitative research is recruiting and retaining suitable participants, especially for niche or sensitive topics. Researchers also often face difficulties in ensuring objectivity during data collection and analysis, given the subjective nature of qualitative data. To address these issues, it's helpful to use robust recruitment strategies, maintain clear communication with participants, and employ techniques such as reflexivity and triangulation to minimize bias. Collaborating closely with team members and regularly debriefing can further enhance data quality and researcher well-being.

What is the difference between Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research?

AspectQualitative ResearchQuantitative Research
Primary FocusExploring perceptions, opinions, and motivationsMeasuring and quantifying data
Data Collection MethodsInterviews, focus groups, observationsSurveys, experiments, statistical analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch firms, marketing agencies, academic settingsMarket research, data analysis firms, academic labs
Required SkillsCommunication, analytical thinking, qualitative analysisStatistical skills, data management, quantitative analysis

Qualitative Research focuses on understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind behaviors through non-numerical data, while Quantitative Research emphasizes numerical data to identify patterns and measure variables. Both roles are essential in research projects but serve different purposes based on the type of data collected and analyzed.

What Are Qualitative Research Jobs?

Qualitative research jobs focus on the collection and analysis of non-numerical data to support market or scientific initiatives. Positions exist in a variety of industries, including finance, consumer goods, and health care. Market research analysts, for example, analyze consumer data to find answers to better understand and predict buying trends. Survey researchers collate and analyze data related to a number of subjects, including politics, lifestyle trends, and education. Opportunities for qualitative researchers exist in government, consulting services, and education.

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that focuses on understanding human behavior, experiences, and social phenomena through non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and text analysis. Unlike quantitative research, which seeks to measure and analyze variables numerically, qualitative research explores meanings, concepts, and descriptions to gain deeper insights. Researchers often use open-ended questions and flexible study designs to collect rich, detailed information. This approach is commonly used in social sciences, education, health, and market research to understand complex issues from participants' perspectives.
What cities are hiring for Qualitative Research jobs? Cities with the most Qualitative Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Qualitative Research jobs? The most popular types of Qualitative Research jobs are:
What states have the most Qualitative Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Qualitative Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Qualitative Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 18% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Director, Qualitative Research

Adelphi Research

Doylestown, PA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

We are looking for new talent to join Adelphi Research. We conduct market research, both qualitative and quantitative, and are exclusive to the pharmaceutical space. Through our work, we help provide insights that bring several new drugs to market to fundamentally impact the lives of patients living with a myriad of conditions, including oncology, neuroscience, immunology, diabetes and others.ย 

We have worked on some of the latest and most novel drugs that have improved patient quality of life, and more importantly extended it. It is rewarding work and we hope you will consider joining our team!ย 

If you're looking for a company that strives to create a work environment that encourages and compliments you, you're curious, a critical thinker able to think outside the box, like challenges and are passionate about what you do, we definitely want to speak with you!ย 

Title: Director, Qualitative Researchย 

Department/Discipline: Researchย 

Who we're looking for:ย 

  • A stellar market research professional with 8 - 12 + years of experience, preferably all in pharmaceutical/healthcare spaceย 
  • Ability to generate sales and repeat business by fostering strong client relationships and seeking referralsย 
  • Passionate about knowing our clients' strategy, and ability to consult strategically and deliver solid, insightful reports and presentationsย 
  • Significant depth of qualitative market research experience including moderationย 
  • Must be able to mentor both junior and senior staff in both qualitative market research and pharmaceutical industry knowledgeย 
  • Expert in moderating telephone/in-person in-depth interviews and focus groupsย 
  • Curious and open to exploring new methods and spearheading the development of new market research techniques, solutions and methodsย 

What you can expect:ย 

  • You will be part of a team where your contributions are recognized and appreciated.ย 
  • You will be challenged and grow as you use your talent to develop new business, nurture existing relationshipsย 
  • You can expect to contribute to the company's overall strategic direction as a participant in senior leadership meetings.ย 
  • You will be encouraged to think differently and apply your creativity to develop new research techniques/methods that deliver new insights and/or identify process efficiencies to improve our businessย 

What you need to do the job:ย 

  • Eight to 12 years of hands-on experience designing and implementing qualitative research studies at all stages of the drug life cycle for the pharmaceutical/biotech industriesย 
  • Demonstration of a deep understanding of the market research needs of pharmaceutical and biotech products in various stages of the product life cycle (Phase 2 through Phase 4 clinical trials, pre-launch promotional development, in-line/mature products)ย 
  • High level of expertise in elevating results from qualitative studies to be business focused, strategic and insightfulย 
  • Excellent presentation skillsย 
  • Experienced collaborative leader of both senior and junior level team membersย 
  • Demonstrable experience in building and expanding new business relationships and expanding/nurturing relationships with current clients in the pharmaceutical/biotech industriesย 
  • Ability to meet specific sales goalsย 
  • Must have experience in vendor/supplier market research, preferably in pharmaceutical researchย 
  • Minimum of bachelor's degree, advanced education preferredย 

The range below represents the low and high end of the base salary someone in this role may earn as an employee of an Omnicom Health Group company in the United States. Salaries will vary based on various factors including but not limited to professional and academic experience, training, associated responsibilities, and other business and organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. Salary decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each hire.ย 

  • $120,000-$150,000