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Research Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care ... Prepares photographic material for weekly Retina Conferences and ophthalmic photographic exhibits ...

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Research Photographer information

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How much do research photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for research photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Photographer, you need expertise in photography, image editing, and a solid understanding of visual documentation, often supported by a degree in photography, visual arts, or a related field. Familiarity with professional cameras, lighting equipment, image processing software like Adobe Photoshop, and sometimes digital asset management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure accurate, high-quality visual records that support research objectives and facilitate effective knowledge sharing.

What are some typical challenges faced by research photographers when documenting scientific projects?

Research photographers often encounter challenges such as working in controlled or sensitive environments where lighting and equipment usage may be restricted. They must balance the need for high-quality imagery with strict scientific protocols and sometimes unpredictable field conditions. Collaboration with scientists and researchers is crucial to ensure that visual documentation accurately represents the subject matter without interfering with experiments or data collection. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these obstacles while supporting the goals of the research team.

What are research photographers?

Research photographers are professionals who use photography as a tool to document, analyze, and support scientific, academic, or commercial research projects. They capture images that help researchers observe subjects, record experimental results, and illustrate findings for publications or presentations. Their work often requires specialized knowledge in both photography techniques and the specific field of research they support, such as biology, archaeology, or engineering. Research photographers may work in laboratories, in the field, or with archival materials.

What is the difference between Research Photographer vs Commercial Photographer?

AspectResearch PhotographerCommercial Photographer
CredentialsPhotography degree or equivalent, specialized trainingPhotography degree or equivalent, portfolio-based
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic settingsAdvertising agencies, studios, client locations
Industry UsageResearch institutions, scientific projects, academiaAdvertising, marketing, product promotion
Common Search IntentScientific, technical, or academic photographyPromotional, branding, commercial projects

Research Photographers focus on capturing images for scientific, academic, or research purposes, often working in labs or research facilities. Commercial Photographers create images for marketing and advertising, working with clients to promote products or brands. While both roles require strong photography skills, Research Photographers emphasize technical accuracy and research relevance, whereas Commercial Photographers prioritize visual appeal and client needs.

More about Research Photographer jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Photographer jobs? Cities with the most Research Photographer job openings:
What states have the most Research Photographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Photographer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Photographer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% As Needed. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Research Ophthalmic Photographer

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Retina Consultants Of Texas rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Retina Consultants of Texas (RCTX) is seeking a Ophthalmic Photographer to join our innovative Research team with the mission of Fighting Blindness For The World To See. This position will be responsible for providng excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment at our Bellaire Clinic with travel to other clinics as needed. 

Candidates must be able to travel to various clinics to meet the needs of the patients and providers, and support the Clinic hours of Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:30am-6:30pm. Schedules are provided weekly and are based on the provider's clinic, patient and surgery schedules. Clinic staff are provided with the opportunity for weekend hours if available.

Retina Consultants of Texas is the largest and most respected retina-only ophthalmology practice in the United States. Our group consists of 26 world renowned physicians leading the world in retinal care. While serving two major metropolitan markets (and their extensions) our combined culture allows us to best serve our patients, referral sources and our own team of physicians. RCTX also invests heavily in diagnostic equipment, providing state-of-the-art retina imaging, laser and diagnostic capabilities to each patient. This, combined with the clinical expertise of our physicians, an outstanding and devoted staff, and 25 convenient locations to serve our patients.

We worked hard to create our culture as Retina Warriors. We strongly emphasize our core values of Hard Work, Authentic Care and Innovation in everything we do. It is our belief that by investing in our people, our people will be empowered of their own accord to provide the highest quality patient experience.

In addition to being highly challenged professionally, in joining our practice, the following competitive benefits for full-time eligible employees after a 60-day introductory period:

  • Employee Paid Benefits such as Medical, Dental, and Vision, short-term disability, voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, pet insurance, HSA pre-taxed contributions, 401 (k) retirement savings contributions both Roth and Traditional options from starting date of hire.
  • Employer Paid Benefits such as long-term disability, $25,000 basic life insurance policy, 3% 401(k) safe harbor contribution, HSA employer contributions, annual performance merit increases, certification opportunities, rewards & recognition platform, WellHub Starter Plan Gym Membership, paid time off and (8) paid holidays + (1) floating holiday annually.  

Pay Rate is $25.00+ per hour and eligible for overtime

RCTX is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, military service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class under applicable law.


  • Obtains and maintains certification for each study.
  • Becomes knowledgeable with the protocol for each trial certified for.
  • Performs ophthalmic imaging studies in accordance with the study imaging procedure manuals. Transfers images to various reading centers in accordance with the study imaging procedure manuals
  • Performs fundus, anterior segment and external photography as required by imaging procedure manuals
  • Performs intravenous fluorescein angiographies and/or indocyanine green angiographies as as required by study imaging procedure manuals
  • Performs scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (i.e. OCT) as as required by study imaging procedure manuals
  • Maintains camera(s), related equipment and inventory of supplies.
  • Maintains all subject-related records as they pertain to imaging systems.
  • Maintains records of work performed.
  • Obtains images for physician presentations as necessary.
  • Provide compassionate patient care throughout the clinic flow
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Competencies:

  • Knowledge of ocular anatomy.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Must very detailed oriented

Education Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelors preferred
  • CRA and JCAHPO certification preferred.
  • Certification in clinical research trials with familiarity of reading centers such as DARC, DUKE, UW-FPRC and DIRC is preferred. If not currently certified, be willing and able to obtain certification for all reading centers within 1-2 months of transfer or hire

Experience Requirements:

  • Two to three years experience in ophthalmic photography and digital imaging preferred

Physical Abilities:

  • Requires normal range of eyesight to perform necessary tasks involved with the photographing of images
  • Involves working in a small space in dimly-lit, or dark room.

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