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Research Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Research Specialist

Madison, WI · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

Research Specialist Job Summary: Dr. Ashley Jordan has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic research specialist in the Development of Intergroup Social Cognition (DISC) Lab at the University ...

Research Specialist Job Summary: The Kelm-Nelson laboratory in the Department of Surgery conducts preclinical Parkinson disease research. This Research Specialist supports animal breeding, research ...

Research Specialist Job Summary: The Rosenberg Lab in the Department of Neuroscience is seeking a Research Specialist to assist in our lab's goal of understanding how the brain uses visual ...

Research Specialist Job Summary: If you enjoy working with a team in an environment that fosters career development, this is the job for you. The Department of Neurological Surgery has an exciting ...

Research Specialist Job Summary: Our laboratory in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences focuses on parasitic diseases. We are looking for a Research Specialist to help advance our lab mission ...

As a Research Scientist, you'll bridge simulation and experiment to drive groundbreaking progress on our next-generation magnetic mirror devices. Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$16

$32

$47

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Madison, WI is $32.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.39 and $37.31 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.

What is a research associate?

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 a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Salaries can vary based on location, specialization, and the organization’s size, with some roles offering additional benefits such as research funding or professional development opportunities.

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.

Is a research associate a good career?

A research associate role is a valuable entry-level position in academia, industry, or government, involving data collection, analysis, and reporting. It offers opportunities to develop research skills, collaborate with professionals, and advance to higher-level positions with experience and additional qualifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Research jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Associate jobs in Madison, WI? For Research Associate jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Research Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,202 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Research Specialist

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

$50K/yr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Research Specialist
Job Summary:
Within WiSOR, Dr. Schwarze is hiring a Research Specialist to coordinate both NIH, and non-NIH funded studies focused on clinician-patient communication and serious illness care. Her research group is comprised of a dynamic and lively group of individuals who encourage and respect different voices and are passionate about advocating for patients and their families in acute care settings. The ideal candidate is a skilled problem solver who will excel at project support and offer strong organizational and interpersonal skills. The ability to perform as liaison between study participants and the research focus while problem solving and taking initiative is essential. The Research Specialist will play a key role in contributing to this nationally and internationally acclaimed research as part of a collaborative team whose work has reach and impact for patients and families in clinical settings across the United States. This position will have the opportunity to perform a wide range of tasks including but not limited to, recruitment and enrollment for study participants, collecting, coding, and analyzing data, organizing team-based research activities, interacting with surgeons and patients, learning about and engaging with regulatory bodies. The candidate will serve as an engaged member for all of Dr. Schwarze's research portfolio and play a critical role in supporting the multidisciplinary teams involved in their overall mission to support patient priorities in healthcare decisions.
This position is part-time, 50%
This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
  • Performs literature reviews and writes reports
  • Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
  • Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
  • Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
  • Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders

Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Surgery, WiSOR
The Wisconsin Department of Surgery is one of the leading surgical programs in the nation, excelling in patient care, surgical education, and surgical research. We are composed of more than 130 full-time faculty across 10 divisions and nearly 200 additional staff who support our mission. Our surgeons perform almost 20,000 operations per year for pediatric and adult patients. Training the next generation of surgeons and clinician-scientists is integral in our department, with more than 100 residents and fellows trained each year. The department is consistently among the top surgery programs with extramural research funding, ranking seventh nationally in NIH funding over the last 10 years.
WiSOR is a health services research program within the Department of Surgery with approximately 20 faculty and 25 research staff. WiSOR supports a wide variety of outcomes-focused research, including health care disparities research, comparative effectiveness research, patterns of care, and performance and safety in surgical care.
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $50,000; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage.
Effective July 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that positions earning less than $43,888 annually be considered non-exempt under FLSA provisions for overtime. Based on these rules, if the person selected for this recruitment will earn less than the new salary threshold at July 1, 2024 ($43,888 annually), they will be an academic staff non-exempt employee, will be paid hourly and will receive overtime compensation for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Required Qualifications:
  • Prior history collecting or analyzing data or research project management in a basic science, environmental science or health care setting.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to follow research protocols or other detailed procedures consistently and accurately, with a high level of attention to detail
  • Experience submitting IRB applications and/or interacting with the IRB
  • Interest or experience in clinician communication with patients, older adults, surgery or decision making
  • Experience with research, writing, and editing

Education:
Bachelor's degree preferred
How to Apply:
For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.
To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area. Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position.
• Cover letter required
• Resume required
Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected
University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.
Contact Information:
Samantha Connell, slconnell2@wisc.edu, 608-265-5311
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005