ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Researcher Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Danaher

R&D Internships

Auburn, ME · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Portland, ME · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

South Portland, ME · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Biddeford, ME · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearcher JobsResearcher Jobs in Portland, ME

Researcher information

See Portland, ME salary details

$9

$24

$51

How much do researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for researcher in Portland, ME is $24.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $30.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a researcher?

Researchers are professionals who systematically investigate topics to discover new information, validate existing knowledge, or solve problems. They work in various fields such as science, medicine, social sciences, and technology. Researchers design studies, collect and analyze data, and present their findings through reports, articles, or presentations. Their work is crucial for advancing knowledge and innovation in many industries.

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

To thrive as a Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a solid educational background relevant to the research field, often at least a master's or doctoral degree. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory equipment, academic databases, and research methodologies is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, curiosity, and collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure rigorous, innovative research outcomes and effective knowledge sharing within the scientific community.

What do researchers do?

The main duty of a researcher is to perform research, the type depending greatly on the field in which you work. For example, someone who works in documentary film might do archival research and look for visual material that would fit well with a particular film. A researcher in a scientific field, such as biomedical technology, may look into particular drug treatments and provide information to clinical trial designers or other academic researchers. Many professors or academics perform research as part of their scholarly duties.

What are some common challenges researchers face when working on collaborative projects, and how can they be addressed?

Researchers often encounter challenges such as coordinating across different disciplines, aligning project goals, and managing communication within collaborative teams. These issues can be addressed by establishing clear roles and responsibilities from the outset, holding regular meetings to ensure alignment, and using collaborative tools to track progress. Open communication and mutual respect among team members are essential for overcoming misunderstandings and fostering a productive research environment.

What is the difference between Researcher vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearcherData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often advanced degrees for research rolesBachelor's or Master's in statistics, data science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAcademic, laboratory, or research institutions; sometimes corporate R&DBusiness, finance, marketing, or healthcare settings; often office-based
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonResearcher vs Data Analyst

The main difference between a Researcher and a Data Analyst lies in their focus and work environment. Researchers typically conduct experiments, develop theories, and work in academic or research settings, often requiring advanced degrees. Data Analysts analyze data to inform business decisions, usually working in corporate environments with a focus on data interpretation and reporting. While both roles require strong analytical skills, their daily tasks and industry applications differ significantly.

Do I need a PhD to be a researcher?

A PhD is not always required to be a researcher, as many roles accept candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree, especially if they have relevant skills and experience. However, for advanced research positions or academic roles, a PhD is often preferred or required. Skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and familiarity with research tools are also important for success in research roles.
More about Researcher jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Portland, ME are:

What are popular job titles related to Researcher jobs in Portland, ME?

For Researcher jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Researcher jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Researcher jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Researcher jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Researcher job openings:

Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Researcher job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,616 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Research Administrator, COM

University of New England Career Opportunities

Biddeford, ME • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Type Professional Staff Faculty Track Position Title Research Administrator, COM Employment Status Full Time Months 12 Campus Both ME Campuses Description
The College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) is looking for a Research Administrator to coordinate and carry out a variety of administrative functions associated with the daily operations of defined research areas at COM, including compliance with internal and external contract policies, collaborating with key administrative offices supporting research at UNE, and streamlining and supporting administrative and financial procedures for faculty and laboratory personnel.
This position provides budgetary and fiscal support for the grant active Principal Investigators (PIs) in the COM. The position also provides support to Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship, the COM Director of Finance & Administration, and COM Dean/VP of Health Affairs in the administration of research-related operating budgets and dissemination of information to maximize faculty research productivity and COM student engagement in research at all levels, working closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Associate Provost for Research.
About The University of New England
UNE is Maine's largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state's top provider of health professionals and home to Maine's only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.
Benefits Overview
  • Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
  • Up to 8% retirement plan match.
  • Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
  • Educational benefits:
    • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners
For more information about our outstanding benefits, please visit: UNE Benefits Overview
Responsibilities
  • In collaboration with the COM Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship, act as a liaison with the Office of Research and Innovation and affiliated teams to enable faculty directed research, enhance engagement of medical students in research to ensure compliance with College, COCA, IRB, IACUC, and granting agency fiscal and compliance policies.
  • Support increased research productivity (streamline lab setups, support efforts to increase grant submissions).
  • Develop a clear, consistent operating procedure to communicate and advise COM faculty on internal and grant-related contractual compliance policies and expectations.
  • Provide budgetary and financial support to COM PI Faculty and professional staff including:
    • Provide budget oversight and transaction histories, and assist in the management of grant expenditures for external grants and internal grant/fellowship funds.
    • Track and reconcile grant budget lines
    • Compile data and evaluate spending patterns throughout the grant cycle
    • Track grant records that require COM Dean's approval.
    • Process and track grant-related Approvals to Travel and Travel Expense Vouchers
    • Reconcile grant-related purchase cards.
    • Coordinate with the ORIC, OSP, COM Director F&A for grant-related Request for Contracts,
    • Serve as liaison between faculty, staff, and other key University personnel to process special grant-related requests.
  • Work closely with the Grants Accounting and Compliance Manager to monitor post-award budget processes and advise faculty regarding the drawdown of internal and external accounts.
  • Work closely with Research Center Shared Resource Directors and the Office of Research and Innovation to monitor and verify the fiscal aspects of shared resource use.
  • Initiate new hire paperwork and assist with onboarding professional, temp, and student employees for research labs; streamline onboarding and off-boarding procedures for new hired and departing faculty and lab personnel.
  • Monitor internal and external funding opportunities to create and maintain a monthly communication to increase the overall number of grants submitted by COM faculty.
  • Develop and maintain a database of internal and external grant submissions, determine "hit rate" and work closely with the Dean and Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship to increase the funding base with a focus on medical student engagement.
  • Conduct orientations on the physical space, building, and laboratory layouts, and facilitate access to Share Resources and facilities.
  • Coordinate with and act as COM monitor for the department of Environmental Health and Safety to ensure that research operations are conducted in compliance with site-specific procedures and all applicable institutional, state, and federal regulations.
  • Perform other specialized/technical tasks as needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred in a related field (research administration, science, or business).
  • 3-5 years' experience in research administration, grant management, or compliance.
  • Knowledge of federal and institutional compliance requirements (IRB, IACUC, COCA, NIH/NSF policies).
  • Experience with pre- and post-award grant processes, budget development, and financial reconciliation.
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory, fiscal, and contractual policies.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile, track, and evaluate financial and grant-related data.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaison work with faculty, staff, and central research units.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate timelines, and develop consistent processes.
  • Familiarity with laboratory environments and research operations; experience supporting research onboarding preferred.
  • Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and grant management or financial tracking systems.
EEO Statement Summary
Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.
Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)
Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine's immunization requirements for clinical activity.
Additional Note
This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.
Anticipated Pay Range $70,000 - $75,000
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number 2022PS0899P Open Date 06/02/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

Apply