ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Associate Jobs in Fort Mill, SC (NOW HIRING)

Linedata

Senior Credit Research Associate

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Linedata is seeking a Senior Credit Research Associate to join our Global Services team, supporting the investment research and portfolio management activities of a leading global asset management ...

GL Inc

Consumer Research Associate (Remote)

Mount Holly, NC · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Market research companies that partner with us will use questionnaires to identify and target certain types of consumers, to ensure that the right participants are engaged and to achieve the ...

Posted today

GL Inc

Consumer Research Associate (Remote)

Stallings, NC · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Market research companies that partner with us will use questionnaires to identify and target certain types of consumers, to ensure that the right participants are engaged and to achieve the ...

Posted today

Flourish Research

Research Concierge

Charlotte, NC

$27 - $31/hr

Flourish Research is one of the industry's most progressive and diversified clinical trial organizations, with strong capabilities across cardiology, metabolic disorders, renal, oncology, CNS ...

Flourish Research

Research Concierge

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Flourish Research is one of the industry's most progressive and diversified clinical trial organizations, with strong capabilities across cardiology, metabolic disorders, renal, oncology, CNS ...

Flourish Research

Research Concierge

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Flourish Research is one of the industry's most progressive and diversified clinical trial organizations, with strong capabilities across cardiology, metabolic disorders, renal, oncology, CNS ...

PAVCO

Research and Development Associate

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Research and Development Associate Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Pavco Inc. is a 75+ year old private company that enjoys sustained growth domestically and internationally by developing industry ...

DelRicht Research

Clinical Research Coordinator

Pineville, NC · On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Why DelRicht Research? Would you love to be a part of the cutting edge of healthcare and science innovation? Do you want to be an influential part of a rapidly growing team? Are you looking for a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs in Fort Mill, SC

Research Associate information

See Fort Mill, SC salary details

$14

$28

$41

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Fort Mill, SC is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $32.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is CRA an entry level job?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is typically an intermediate to senior role that requires prior experience in clinical research, monitoring, or related fields. Entry-level positions in clinical research may be labeled as Clinical Research Coordinator or Research Assistant, with CRAs often needing relevant certifications and some industry experience. However, some companies offer entry-level CRA roles for candidates with strong educational backgrounds and related skills.

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.

How much does a research associate earn?

Research associates typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location and the organization’s size.

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 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 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 is the work of a research associate?

A research associate conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data, and supports the development of research projects in academic, scientific, or industry settings. They often use specialized tools and follow protocols to ensure accurate results and may assist in preparing reports or publications.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

Research associates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools, and experience in data collection and analysis.
More about Research Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Fort Mill, SC? The most popular types of Research jobs in Fort Mill, SC are:
What job categories do people searching Research Associate jobs in Fort Mill, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Research Associate jobs in Fort Mill, SC are:
What cities near Fort Mill, SC are hiring for Research Associate jobs? Cities near Fort Mill, SC with the most Research Associate job openings:
Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Fort Mill, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,479 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hokmabadi)

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
General Information
Position Number
POST40
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hokmabadi)
Division
Academic Affairs
Department
College of Engineering (Col)
Work Unit
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Work Location
EPIC and Grigg
Vacancy Open To
All Candidates
Position Designation
Post Doc
Employment Type
Temporary - Full-time
Hours per week
40
Work Schedule
Pay Rate
$50,000-$54,000
Minimum Experience/Education
The Postdoctoral appointee must have recently (within the last eight years) been awarded a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, Materials Science or equivalent doctorate in closely related discipline (e.g., Sc.D., M.D.)
Prior Cleanroom Experience: Extensive, proven hands-on experience working inside a class 100/1000 micro/nano-fabrication cleanroom facility. Deep expertise in lithography, E-beam evaporation, sputtering, and dry/wet etching is strictly required.
Optical Bench Competency: Demonstrated success in designing, constructing, and precision-aligning free-space optical bench components.
Theoretical Foundations: Robust prior experience with the numerical modeling and design of optical or electromagnetic wave structures.
Departmental Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct, prior hands-on experience handling and testing active semiconductor laser devices (e.g., microring lasers, VCSELs, laser arrays). Candidates with exceptional optical testing skills in passive systems who demonstrate a strong capability to learn active laser physics will also be fully considered.
  • Experience with instrumentation automation and data acquisition tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW).

Duties and Responsibilities
A Postdoctoral Fellow (""postdoc"") is a professional apprenticeship designed to provide recent Ph.D. recipients with an opportunity to develop further the research skills acquired in their doctoral programs or to learn new research techniques, in preparation for an academic or research career. In the process of further developing their own research skills, it is expected that Postdoctoral Fellows will also play a significant role in the performance of research at the University and augment the role of graduate faculty in providing research instruction to graduate students. A Postdoctoral Fellow works under the supervision of a regular faculty member, who serves as a mentor to the Fellow, and it is expected that the faculty mentor will impart the realities, and variety, of scientific careers, and will encourage experiences outside the laboratory to broaden postdocs' aspirations. Within the confines of the particular research focus assigned by that faculty member, the Postdoctoral Fellow functions with a considerable degree of independence and has the freedom (and is expected) to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of appointment. Thus, the role of Postdoctoral Fellows is clearly differentiated from full-time technical employees.
Postdoc appointments are characterized by all of the following conditions:
* the appointee was recently (within the last eight years) awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D.);
* the appointment is temporary, for up to one year at a time, with renewal possible;
* the total appointment is limited to five years, including time spent in previous postdoctoral appointments at other institutions;
* the appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship;
* the appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic and/or research career;
* the appointee works under the supervision of a faculty member; and
* the appointee has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of appointment.
Other Work/Responsibilities
The Hokmabadi Research Lab at UNC Charlotte is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead experimental and fabrication efforts on next-generation optoelectronic devices. Our lab's research spans the domains of optical/terahertz metamaterials, non-Hermitian and supersymmetric optics, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and semiconductor lasers.
The ideal candidate will take primary responsibility for micro- and nano-fabrication in the cleanroom, as well as the custom design and building of free-space optical bench characterization setups.
Key Responsibilities
1. Cleanroom Micro- and Nano-Fabrication
  • Execute full-cycle micro- and nano-fabrication processes to realize complex metamaterial structures, subwavelength features, and semiconductor laser arrays.
  • Utilize advanced lithography techniques, including standard photolithography and high-precision electron-beam/nano-lithography.
  • Lead thin-film depositions using E-beam evaporation and sputtering systems for both dielectrics and metals.
  • Develop and optimize recipe parameters for anisotropic dry etching (e.g., RIE, ICP-RIE) and targeted wet chemical etching workflows.

2. Optical Bench Characterization & Setup Design
  • Independently engineer, align, and construct custom free-space and fiber-coupled optical bench test setups from scratch on laboratory breadboards.
  • Conduct advanced experimental testing and optoelectronic characterization of metamaterials and semiconductor lasers (including spectrum mapping, L-I-V curves, near/far-field beam profiling, and optical isolation tracking).
  • Troubleshoot, maintain, and automate laboratory instrumentation (spectrometers, detectors, tunable laser sources, RF equipment).

3. Numerical Modeling & Device Design
  • Perform theoretical design and finite-element modeling of electromagnetic fields, spatial phase profiles, and optical cavity layouts using industry-standard simulation software (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Lumerical FDTD).
  • Analyze complex experimental data and utilize insights to iteratively optimize device architectures.

4. Leadership & Dissemination
  • Prepare high-quality manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed high-impact journals and present findings at major optics conferences (e.g., CLEO, SPIE).
  • Assist Dr. Hokmabadi in mentoring Ph.D., Master's, and undergraduate students in cleanroom protocols and bench safety.

Necessary Licenses or Certifications
Proposed Hire Date
07/16/2026
Contact Information
Dr. Mohammad P. Hokmabadi (mparvinn@charlotte.edu)
Expected Length of Assignment
12 months
Posting Open Date
06/30/2026
Posting Close Date
Special Notes to Applicants
Please attached the following documents:
  • Comprehensive CV (detailing your specific cleanroom fabrication and optical testing background)
  • Contact information for three professoinal references

Finalist will be subject to a criminal background check

What The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply