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Research Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Investigator I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

One (1) year of experience serving as a principal investigator designing and conducting research in an externally and/or internally funded research environment. * Four (4) years of experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Investigator information

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$35K

$56.1K

$101K

How much do research investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for research investigator in the United States is $56,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research investigator?

A Research Investigator is responsible for conducting systematic studies in a specific field, analyzing data, and developing conclusions to advance knowledge or solve problems. They often work in academic institutions, government agencies, or private industries, focusing on scientific, medical, or social research. Their duties include designing experiments, gathering and interpreting data, writing reports, and publishing findings. Research Investigators may also collaborate with other researchers and present their work at conferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research investigator?

A Research Investigator typically requires a strong background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and a relevant advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MSc). Familiarity with statistical software, laboratory equipment, or fieldwork tools—as well as certifications in areas like human subjects research—are commonly needed. Outstanding problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are essential for conducting high-quality research, interpreting results accurately, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

What are typical career advancement opportunities for a research investigator?

Research Investigators often have opportunities to progress into senior research, project leadership, or management roles within their organization. Many, over time, may choose to specialize further in their field, lead independent research projects, or transition into roles such as Principal Investigator or Research Director. Advancement typically depends on demonstrated expertise, publishing impactful findings, securing grant funding, and successfully managing research teams. Continuous professional development and networking with peers also help to open doors for broader career growth.

What degree do you need for research investigator jobs?

Research investigators typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with research experience and relevant certifications depending on the industry and specific role.

What does a research investigator do?

A research investigator conducts scientific studies to gather data, analyze results, and contribute to knowledge in a specific field. They design experiments, collect and interpret data, and often work in laboratories or research settings, utilizing skills in data analysis and research methodologies.
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Infographic showing various Research Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,057 per year, or $27 per hour.

Research Investigator Sr.

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$79K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Research Investigator Sr.

Job Profile Title

Research Investigator, Senior

Job Description Summary

The Department of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a medicinal radiochemist to join our NINDS U19 Center Without Walls, a multidisciplinary program advancing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals for imaging targets such as alpha-synucleinopathies and 4R tauopathies, which spans multiple academic institutions across the United States. Applicants with demonstrated familiarity with the Center's radiochemistry infrastructure and collaborative workflows are preferred. The successful candidate will play a central part in continuing and expanding ongoing Penn projects, developing and automating protocols for labeling small molecules and related entities with isotopes such as fluorine-18 and carbon-11. Responsibilities span the radiochemistry workflow from discovery through translational application, working seamlessly with Penn's medicinal chemistry, biology, and imaging teams. This position offers the opportunity to extend Penn's established expertise and ensure continuity in high-impact translational radiochemistry.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Develop and optimize novel radiochemical methods for labeling biomolecules and other chemical entities with PET isotopes (e.g., fluorine-18, carbon-11, and others).

Devise, implement, and streamline automated radiosynthetic workflows to support translational imaging projects.

Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, biology, and (pre)clinical imaging teams to design and execute radiochemistry studies from discovery through (pre)clinical evaluation.

Contribute to multidisciplinary project planning, data analysis, grant writing, and dissemination of results through presentations and publications.

  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

  • Position is contingent upon grant funding

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, and 5 to 7 years of postdoctoral experience is required.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$79,500.00 - $94,753.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefitsto protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

  • Retirement:Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

  • Time Away from Work:Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance:In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

  • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

  • Professional and Personal Development:Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

  • University Resources:As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

  • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

  • Flexible Work Hours:Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

  • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

  • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay


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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740