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Senior Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $28/hr

Position Overview The Senior Research Assistant supports the research team and projects by coordinating study activities, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining documentation, and assisting with ...

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Senior Research Assistant information

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$29K

$81.3K

$165.5K

How much do senior research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior research assistant in the United States is $81,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Research Assistant typically collaborate with principal investigators and junior team members?

Senior Research Assistants play a pivotal role in bridging communication between principal investigators and junior staff. They often help translate research objectives into actionable tasks, provide training or mentorship to newer team members, and ensure data collection and analysis meet project standards. Regular meetings and progress updates are common, and Senior Research Assistants are frequently responsible for troubleshooting issues and maintaining workflow efficiency across the team.

What are Senior Research Assistants?

Senior Research Assistants are experienced professionals who support research projects by managing data collection, analyzing results, and assisting with the preparation of reports and publications. They often oversee junior staff, coordinate project logistics, and ensure compliance with research protocols. Their advanced experience allows them to contribute to study design and problem-solving within the research team.

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

To thrive as a Senior Research Assistant, you need a strong background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and a relevant degree in your field of study. Familiarity with statistical software (like SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and sometimes certifications in research ethics or laboratory safety are typically expected. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with research teams and manage multiple tasks efficiently. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality data collection, accurate analysis, and the smooth execution of complex research projects.

What is the difference between Senior Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectSenior Research AssistantResearch Associate
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree, research experienceMaster's or PhD, advanced research skills
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research projects, academic or industry settingsIndependent research, project management, collaboration
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research organizations, government agencies

Research Associates typically hold higher qualifications like a Master's or PhD and are involved in more independent research tasks. Senior Research Assistants often support research projects under supervision. The roles differ mainly in experience level, independence, and scope of responsibilities, but both work in similar environments and industries.

What is the role of a senior research assistant?

A senior research assistant supports research projects by designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports. They often supervise junior staff, use specialized tools or software, and ensure research protocols are followed accurately.
More about Senior Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Senior Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Research jobs? The most popular types of Senior Research jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Research Assistant jobs? The top employers for Senior Research Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Research Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,251 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Senior Research Assistant

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Department of Psychiatry is recruiting for a Senior Research Assistant.  This position is under the supervision of Drs. Jennifer Loftis and Arthur Vandenbark.

Function/Duties of Position

The senior research assistant will coordinate and conduct preclinical rodent studies, including behavioral tests and data collection, flow cytometric analysis of blood and tissue samples, and immunohistochemistry. The senior research assistant will assist the PIs and other members of the research team with manuscript development, administrative duties, ordering supplies and related research tasks as appropriate. Work will be conducted in the Loftis and Vandenbark Laboratories and the Veterinary Medical Unit at the VA Portland Health Care System.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree with coursework in biology, psychology, immunology, medicine, or related field AND 1 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework in statistics and research methods.
  • 3 years of research experience.
  • Preclinical research experience with rodent models.
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis programs.
Additional Details

***Upload cover letter and resume.  Please be sure to include months and years (MM/YYYY format) to the resume for jobs/work experience.***

*OHSU Employees be sure to apply using your OHSU email.*

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887