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Senior Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Primarily, the research assistant will conduct hands-on coding and data analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected from multiple impact evaluations under the supervision of a senior ...

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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

$77K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About Us:
The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center seeks Senior Research Assistant in New York, NY to coordinate the laboratory biobank, including the reception and banking of specimens derived from clinical practice or from an array of clinical trials being held in MSKCC, as well as processing of the clinical specimens for downstream applications including the development of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, single cell RNA/ATAC/DNA/CITE sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and flow cytometry. Coordinate with a multidisciplinary team involving different MSKCC core facilities, clinicians and research coordinators, and development and maintenance of reference databases. Coordinate with the pathology core at MSKCC for the performance of histology work (including embedding, sectioning, immunohistochemistry and review of tissue, and state-of-the art multiplexed imaging techniques). Employ novel technologies in the lab, including single cell nuclei sequencing of small biopsies and PDXs and simultaneous single nuclei RNA/ATACseq and single nuclei DNAseq on flash frozen tissue samples. Provide in-vivo experiment support, including preparing cells for injection into mice, and processing collected specimens for preservation for downstream molecular analyses (RNAseq, ATACseq, ChIPseq and proteomics). Lead independent research projects related to lung cancer therapeutics. Supervise, mentor, and train new recruits in molecular biology and cell culture techniques. Assist postdocs and Ph.D. students with molecular biology work, including Western Blots, routine cell culture work, FACS sorting, flow cytometry, plasmid amplification, and PCR. Acting as the safety manager of the laboratory by coordinating with the institutional Environmental, Health and Safey and ensuring the lab is compliant with safety standards. EEO/VETS/ADA.
REQUIREMENTS:
Master's degree or equivalent in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, or a directly related health science field and 3 years of experience in the job offered or working in medical research; or a Bachelor's in these fields and 5 years of experience in the job offered or working in medical research. Must have 3 years of experience with the following: simultaneous single nuclei RNA/ATACseq and DNAseq on flash frozen tissue samples; and leading research projects in lung cancer therapeutics as evidenced by publications in the field. Must have 1 year of experience with the following: processing of clinical specimens and maintenance of the laboratory biobank; training of lab members in molecular and cell biology techniques; and writing and renewing IACUC and IBC protocols.
SALARY: $77,100.00 - $119,400.00/year
LOCATION: 417 East 68th St., New York, NY 10065
Pay Range: $77,100.00 - $119,400.00
FSLA Status: Exempt
Closing:
At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.
MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

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