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Senior Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD Anderson

Senior Research Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$31.01 - $37.26/hr

The Senior Research Assistant applies technical expertise in spatial genomics, histopathology, and mammalian sample processing to support the development, evaluation, and implementation of advanced ...

Denver Health

Senior Research Assistant

Davis, CA

$21.83 - $30.56/hr

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Senior Research Assistant to join our team! We're with you for life's journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn't just something we believe in-it's something we ...

Denver Health

Senior Research Assistant

Denver, CO · On-site

$21.83 - $30.56/hr

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Senior Research Assistant to join our team! We're with you for life's journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn't just something we believe in-it's something we ...

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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 Aug 11, 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 is a senior research assistant?

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?

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.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior research assistant?

A senior research assistant typically does not require a PhD; most positions require a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. However, advanced degrees and research experience can improve prospects and may be preferred by some employers, especially for specialized or competitive roles.

How much does a senior research assistant get paid?

The average salary for a senior research assistant typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and advanced skills or certifications can influence compensation.

Do research assistants get paid a lot?

Research assistants, including senior research assistants, typically earn modest salaries that vary by industry, location, and level of experience. In academic or research settings, pay is often aligned with institutional budgets and may include benefits, but it is generally not considered high compared to other professional roles. Salary levels can increase with experience, advanced skills, and additional responsibilities.
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Senior Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,251 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Sr. Research Assistant (KSAS - Cognitive Science)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Cognitive and Brain Sciences Lab in the Department of Cognitive Science is seeking a Sr. Research Assistant to advance research on a large, multi-year project that is transitioning from the data collection phase to data curation, analysis and publication preparation. The multi-modal data set includes behavioral, and neuroimaging (fMRI, MRI, DWI) data collected from older and younger adults during a longitudinal study designed to investigate the effects of aging on word learning.
The Sr. Research Assistant will work under the general direction of a faculty researcher or senior research staff and independently conducts a variety of operational and technical activities key to the conduct of and direction of the research.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop data collection tools based on understanding of underlying study design.
  • Participate in developing standard operating procedures for one or more studies.
  • Design and set up standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee data collection.
  • Analyze data under general oversight and make data-driven recommendations.
  • Oversee day-to-day activities and provide training for new staff on study.
  • Conduct literature searches to pull background material and identify information relevant and applicable to research interest.
  • Other duties as assigned.

In Addition to the Duties Described Above
  • Work with supervised independence in the analysis of both behavioral data (reaction time, errors and accuracy) and neuroimaging data (fMRI).
  • Supervise undergraduate research assistants working on the project.
  • Utilize research and writing skills to support the development of literature reviews and contribute to methods and results sections for publication.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Two years of related experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education permitted by the JHU equivalency formula beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in a related field.
  • Degree (or extensive coursework) in Cognitive Science, Cognitive Psychology, or Cognitive Neuroscience.
  • Prior experience as a research assistant in a laboratory studying psycholinguistics and/or neurobiology of language.

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications
  • Experience, training, or coursework in analysis of fMRI data.
  • Experience, training, or coursework in Linear Mixed Effects Modeling.
  • Familiarity with research in psycholinguistics and neurobiology of language.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
  • Analytical Skills - Developing
  • Attention to Detail - Developing
  • Electronic Office Tools - Developing
  • Information Gathering - Developing
  • Oral and Written Communications - Developing
  • Organizational Skills - Developing

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.
Classified Title: Sr. Research Assistant
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Sr. Research Assistant (KSAS - Cognitive Science)
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB
Starting Salary Range: $21.70 - $29.86 - $38.00 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Limited
Schedule: Variable; annual average up to 19 hr/wk
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Cognitive Science
Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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