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Research Associate Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Associate- Portland, OR (onsite) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients ...

Senior Research Associate- Portland, OR (onsite) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients ...

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Research Associate information

See Oregon salary details

$17

$34

$49

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Oregon is $34.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.69 and $39.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Research Associate Do?

As a research associate, you conduct research and analysis as directed by a senior researcher or project manager. Researchers work in a number of fields, including medical science, the social sciences, natural sciences, finance, management, and academia. Your specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, but some features of your work are similar across industries. You typically do primary and secondary source research, organize and process data, analyze said data, and report on your findings to lead researchers or clinicians.

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

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a Research Associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What are Research Associates?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Research jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Associate jobs in Oregon? For Research Associate jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Research Associate jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Oregon as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,563 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Research Associate

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The OHSU Dermatology Research Division merges basic, clinical and translational research in epithelial cell cancers and dermatologic diseases. Our basic and clinician-scientists are committed to innovative research on cancer and inflammation of skin with an impact on understanding causes and improving future treatment of muco-cutaneous diseases and providing more effective patient care.

The person who fills this position will report to Noah Hornick, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, in investigating methods for surveillance of melanoma recurrence / metastasis, as well as mechanisms of inflammation in the skin during adverse reactions to cancer immunotherapy. Responsibilities will include conducting experimentation that leverages techniques including the processing of human tissue samples (skin, tumor, and blood) in order to extract single cells, nuclei, DNA, RNA, and protein; histologic work including the chromogenic and fluorescent labeling and imaging of slides, preparation of spatial, single-cell, and bulk RNA libraries for sequencing, cell culture, and flow cytometry. The Research Associate will also be responsible for contributing to documentation and data analysis related to this experimentation, as well as to the preparation of figures for publication.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Supports basic day-to-day functions of the lab, including assisting with ordering supplies. Oversees and assists with training of new or temporary students and other personnel. Attends all laboratory research and division/department meetings. 
  • Independently sets up and carries out cell culture experiments with cell lines and primary human skin cells. Analyzes results using techniques listed in position summary. Independently prepares, labels, and images slides using stains, immunolabeling, and in situ hybridization with both chromogens and fluorophores. Processes human blood and tissue to produce single-cell suspensions, single-nucleus suspensions, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, and plasma. Prepares cDNA libraries for sequencing from fixed and frozen tissue through 10X Genomics protocols: Visium, Chromium, Chromium Flex, and Epi Multiome. Prepares and labels single-cell suspensions from patient samples and cultured cells, performs flow cytometry analysis. 
Required Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3 years of relevant experience

    • OR

  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 5 years of relevant experience.

  • At least 1 year of relevant work experience in biomedical research lab

  • Fluency with relevant mathematics / basic statistics, experience with MS Excel 

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in relevant field and 5 years of relevant experience.

  • Prior imaging or histology experience, single-cell transcriptome analysis experience, R programming, and python programming experience are helpful
  • Knowledge of immunology, dermatology, or sex hormone biology
Additional Details

The schedule will be full-time (40 hours per week), though the hours can be flexible on mutual agreement and may include evening and weekend work as needed depending on experimental timing demands. The location will be primarily in the dermatology laboratory and associated equipment rooms in CHH1. Specialized experiments will be conducted in core facilities. Exposure as part of this position may include human tissues and fluids.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887