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Research Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Research Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$15

$31

$45

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Raleigh, NC is $31.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $35.96 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Research jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Research Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Research Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,796 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Post-Doc Research Associate

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Details
Department
Epidemiology - 463501
Posting Open Date
03/09/2026
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title
Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID
PDS004796
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week
40
FTE
1
Work Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Dependent on Qualifications
Proposed Start Date
Estimated Duration of Appointment
12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Epidemiology is one of the seven departments located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The department's primary focus is to the development and application of research methods to understand the patterns and causes of health and disease, and the application of that knowledge to improving the health of populations. We provide strong training in research methods and opportunities for the application of epidemiology to a wide range of health problems through our research. The achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enabled us to become one of the leading academic departments of epidemiology in the world. The department has 38 Tenured-Tenure Track / 8 Joint Tenure-Track Faculty, 22 Fixed Term / 4 Joint Fixed Term Faculty, 122 Adjuncts, 33 EHRA Non-Faculty, 22 Postdocs, 23 SHRA (Staff), 11 SHRA Temporary and 226 Students. The department's operating budget is 27 million a year.
Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be involved in manuscript preparation and curation of software in support of grant aims. They will contribute to the development of the proposed estimators and conduct a wide array of simulation experiments in support of grant aims. Moreover, they will prepare scientific manuscripts describing and implementing the proposed approach in applied settings, and present findings at conferences. The postdoctoral research associate will attend and prepare material for discussion at weekly team meetings and monthly project-wide meetings.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in Epidemiology, or Related Field
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Graduate coursework required in epidemiologic methods, causal inference, and statistics.Proficiency required in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, Python).
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/314243
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Stephen Cole, Distinguished Professor
Department Contact Telephone or Email
cole@unc.edu
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789