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Research Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstone Research

Associate - PhD

Washington, DC · On-site

Cornerstone Research is involved in a broad variety of high-profile projects. Current exemplary ... Associates work closely with senior staff, clients, and experts to define objectives, guide ...

AIPAC

Associate, Research UDP

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$52K - $58K/yr

United Democracy Project, the Super Pac affiliated with AIPAC, is hiring a Research Associate. The position would work with our multi-member team, conducting research on Members of Congress and ...

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$16

$33

$48

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Silver Spring, MD is $33.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $38.27 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 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 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.

More about Research Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Research jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Research Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Research Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Research Associate jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Research Associate job openings:
Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,972 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Senior Clean Energy Research Associate

Climate Power

Washington, DC • On-site

$74K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Type of Position Full-time, exempt, regular
Team Research
Reports To Deputy Managing Director, Research
About This Role
Climate Power is seeking to add a Senior Research Associate, Clean Energy to our research department to generate actionable research focused on climate progress and the politics of climate action in key states. The Senior Clean Energy Research Associate will be a member of Climate Power's Research Department and will support the team's daily operations.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Lead data analysis and updates for longer-term research projects tracking the impacts of, and attacks on, the clean energy economy.
  • Work with the Research Deputy Managing Director, the Accountability Research Director, and the Clean Energy campaign to deliver research-driven projects in the issue area.
  • Draft reports, fact sheets, and other clean energy research and communications materials.
  • Track and report on business news from the clean energy sector, including financial filings and earnings calls.
  • Generate actionable research that can be used in communications materials, media pitches, and campaign tactics to hold elected and government officials accountable for rolling back and blocking clean energy investments.
  • Produce paid and organic media ad backups on short deadlines, conduct fact-checks, and approve clean energy content in outbound materials.
  • Work with the Research Deputy Managing Director and Communications team to pitch research findings to media outlets.
  • General research needs, including creating research backgrounders and rapid response work.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as need and capacity dictates.
Essential Qualifications
  • 3 years of relevant prior work experience in political research, which may include working for a campaign or issue advocacy organization. Relevant work experience may include, but is not limited to:
    • Working on energy policy or corporate accountability issues in a political, advocacy, or policymaking environment OR
    • Working as an analyst or journalist covering the clean energy industry.
  • Basic understanding of clean energy technologies, financial statements, and filings made by publicly-traded companies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities with minimal direct supervision.
  • Strong news judgment and knowledge of the political media landscape.
  • Strong familiarity with research tools, including LexisNexis, public records, and campaign finance filings.
  • Strong proficiency in Google Workspace, Sheets or Excel, and Microsoft Word. Knowledge of Airtable is preferred.
  • Interest in climate justice is a plus!

If you do not meet all of the requirements and believe you are a good fit, we encourage you to apply, but be sure to uplift all experience that aligns with both our essential and desired qualifications.
Salary & Benefits Package
Climate Power offers a competitive compensation package, including salaries that are commensurate with and directly tied to years of experience. Climate Power believes years of experience are a foundational element of equitable pay, and the primary metric used to determine one's salary. The full salary range for this role is listed below, with a given set of years correlating to a fixed 'step' or placement within a salary range. Salaries are otherwise non-negotiable, and not impacted by merit-based performance evaluations or other flexible and/or subjective factors.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Years
3<>4
4<>5
5<>6
6<>8
8<>10
10<>12
12<>14
14<>16
16+
Annual Salary
$74,675
$76,542
$78,409
$80,276
$82,143
$84,009
$85,876
$87,743
$89,610
Climate Power also offers a competitive benefits package, including the following:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurances
    • 100% paid for employee
    • 50% for their dependents
  • Unlimited Paid Time off, including every other Friday and extended summer, fall, and winter breaks
  • 401(k) with 5% match
  • Education Assistance, including student loan repayment program
  • Sabbatical Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Monthly Tech Allowance
  • Cell Phone Stipend
  • Work From Home Stipend, for home office furniture
  • Treat Yourself Funds

The terms of your benefits and any applicable waiting period(s) are governed by relevant plan documents and any and all applicable policies, and are subject to change or discontinuation by the organization.
About Climate Power
Climate Power is a strategic communications organization focused on winning the politics of climate. We're educating Americans about our climate progress, highlighting how clean energy investments benefit local communities, and holding Big Oil accountable for polluting our air and water. We use data-backed messages to pave a path for bold action and shine a light on the price of ignoring the climate crisis would cost our health, economy, and future generations.
It's our job to tell the story of how climate action and clean energy investment are rebuilding our economy, lowering energy costs, and protecting our planet for future generations. We call out disinformation from bad actors like the Big Oil lobby, and make the climate stakes real for voters.
Location & Hours of Operations
Climate Power is a remote-first organization based in Washington, DC. This position can be located anywhere in the United States, but must be able to work Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm EST, plus weekends and evenings as the work dictates. Occasional travel is required as needed, typically 3-4 times per year.
Our Hiring Timeline and Process
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis and will continue to interview until the position is filled (posting will remain up until position filled).
An ideal start date would be before or by July 6, 2026.
Our interview process generally involves 2-3 rounds of interviews, ranging in length from 30-60 minutes. All interviews will be conducted via Google Meet or Zoom. Successful candidates that move forward in the hiring process, will be invited to complete a skills assessment activity (for which they will receive compensation) and will undergo a vetting process, including reference and background check.
Climate Power is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, or sexual orientation.
Additionally, Climate Power is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Climate Power will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview and hiring process.
If reasonable accommodation is needed in the interview process, please accessibility@climatepower.us. Requests for updates in the hiring/interview process or other solicitations, should not be sent to this email.

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