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Senior Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Miami

Sr. Research Associate 2

Miami, FL · On-site

The Sr. Research Associate 2 will work closely with other members of the research team including research associates 1, research coordinators, the principal investigator, the statistician and the ...

University of Miami

Sr. Research Associate 1

Miami, FL · On-site

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Sr. Research Associate 1, SOM (A) provides laboratory-based support for the University's research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments.

University of Miami

Sr. Research Associate 1

Miami, FL · On-site

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Sr. Research Associate 1, SOM (A) provides laboratory-based support for the University's research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments.

George Washington University

$50K - $80K/yr

The Senior Research Associate will assist the Principal Investigator and Project Director with the overall operation and management of the study. This experienced researcher carries out research ...

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How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in the United States is $45.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.98 and $50.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for a research associate?

The highest salary for a research associate varies depending on industry, experience, and location, but senior research associates can earn up to $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially in specialized fields or with advanced skills. Factors such as advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand sectors can influence compensation levels.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Research Associates in managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Senior Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing hands-on experimental work, data analysis, and documentation while meeting project deadlines requires strong organizational skills and clear communication with team members. Proactively coordinating with principal investigators and cross-functional teams helps ensure that expectations are aligned, resources are available, and progress stays on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular team meetings can also aid in overcoming these challenges.

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

AspectSenior Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, relevant experienceMaster's or Ph.D., specialized research training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research teams, industry or academiaAdvanced research settings, independent projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, governmentResearch institutions, biotech firms, academia
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression, responsibilitiesMore specialized, higher-level research roles

The main difference between a Senior Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their experience, level of independence, and research responsibilities. Senior Research Associates typically support research projects with substantial experience, while Research Scientists often lead projects and require advanced degrees like a Ph.D. for more independent research roles. Both roles are vital in research environments, but Research Scientists usually hold a higher level of expertise and responsibility.

What Is a Senior Research Associate?

A senior research associate is a clinical or social scientist who runs experiments or studies at a medical center, think tank, university, or for a pharmaceutical company. As a senior research associate, your job duties include performing clinical research, complex testing of samples, data collection, and analysis of results. In this job, you direct researchers in your lab and collaborate with other scientific professionals to design experiments or compare results. Qualifications and skills needed for this career include a bachelor’s degree in a field related to your work and several years of experience as a research associate. A master’s degree or Ph.D. with significant research or laboratory components can substitute for some job experience.

How much does a senior research associate earn?

A senior research associate typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. They often possess advanced degrees and skills in research methodologies, data analysis, and laboratory tools, which can influence salary levels.

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

To thrive as a Senior Research Associate, you need advanced research skills, data analysis expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD) in a scientific or technical field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate research outcomes, fostering innovation, and supporting collaboration within research teams.

Is CRA an entry level job?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is typically an entry-level to mid-level position in clinical research, often requiring a bachelor's degree in a related field and some experience or training. Entry-level CRAs usually undergo on-the-job training and may pursue certifications like the RAC or CCRP to advance their careers.

What do senior research associates do?

Senior research associates conduct scientific experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports to support research projects. They often oversee research activities, collaborate with teams, and ensure compliance with protocols, typically requiring strong analytical skills and familiarity with laboratory tools or software.

What is a Senior Research Associate?

A Senior Research Associate is an experienced professional who leads and conducts advanced research projects within academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, supervising junior staff, and contributing to publications and grant proposals. Senior Research Associates often act as key members of research teams, providing expertise and ensuring projects are completed efficiently and accurately. Their role requires a strong background in their field, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
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Senior Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,688 per year, or $45 per hour.
Senior Research Associate

Senior Research Associate

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Position Summary:
The Senior Research Associate/ Project Director is a key leadership position within the Peredo Lab in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. This individual will serve as the Project Director for an NIH Phase 1 clinical trial investigating a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) approach for Latino families. The Senior Research Associate is a full-time term position responsible for overall research protocol implementation, team leadership, and successful execution of all project objectives in accordance with Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations, federal and sponsor regulations and guidelines, NIH guidelines, Vanderbilt Policies, and research protocols. The Senior Research Associate reports directly to the Principal Investigator.
The Senior Research Associate will direct all aspects of project operations, including leading and training a multidisciplinary research team (data coders, interventionists, data manager, and assessors), implementing culturally and linguistically adapted intervention protocols, coordinating participant recruitment and retention, conducting caregiver coaching sessions, overseeing data collection and quality assurance, and leading dissemination activities including peer reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. This position requires advanced expertise in NDBI approaches, bilingual competency in Spanish and English, and demonstrated success in coaching Latino parents on evidence-based early intervention strategies.
Note: The anticipated duration of this role is 5 years and is dependent on continuing availability of funding. Work hours are flexible and based on research participant appointments and team leadership needs, which are scheduled at all times of day, including morning, afternoon, late afternoon, evening, and/or weekends.
Key Functions and Expected Performance
Lead and train research team
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise a multidisciplinary research team including data coders, interventionists, and assessors
    • Develop and implement standardized training protocols for all team members on NDBI approaches, intervention fidelity, and assessment administration
    • Conduct regular fidelity checks and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to ensure research protocol adherence and staff competency
    • Maintain detailed documentation of all staff training and certifications

Coordinate and manage project
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all aspects of the NIH Phase 1 clinical trial
    • Develop, implement, and monitor project timelines, ensuring all NIH-mandated deliverables and milestones are met
    • Manage project budgets and expenditures in collaboration with administrative staff
    • Prepare regular progress reports for the Principal Investigator and NIH program officer

Manage participant recruitment, enrollment, and retention
  • Oversee all participant recruitment strategies and ensure equitable outreach to Latino communities
  • Implement and coordinate participant enrollment procedures ensuring compliance with IRB protocols
  • Implement retention procedures and conduct ongoing informed consent processes
  • Maintain comprehensive participant databases and tracking systems
  • Coordinate participant scheduling and ensure no-show follow-up procedures

Provide intervention and caregiver coaching
  • Lead focus groups and community advisory board feedback sessions
  • Independently administer NDBI-based coaching to Latino parents/caregivers in Spanish
  • Adapt intervention delivery to meet individual family needs while maintaining fidelity to the research protocol
  • Model evidence-based interaction strategies and provide real-time feedback to parents
  • Document intervention sessions and maintain fidelity ratings
  • Develop culturally sensitive, family-centered intervention plans in collaboration with caregivers

Oversee data collection and management
  • Oversee all data collection activities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
  • Manage REDCap database development, maintenance, and quality assurance
  • Prepare data reports and provide regular data quality summaries to the PI

Human Subjects Research Compliance
  • Ensure all research activities comply with Federal regulations and guidelines governing the protection of human subjects
  • Maintain current knowledge of evolving federal and sponsor regulations
  • Coordinate with the IRB and institutional compliance offices as needed
  • Ensure appropriate documentation of all human subjects protections protocols
  • Conduct regular team meetings on compliance and protocol adherence

Dissemination responsibilities
  • Lead in manuscript preparation and research dissemination efforts
  • Present findings at professional conferences and meetings
  • Read professional journals and remain current on evidence-based practices in early intervention and NDBI
  • Contribute to grant writing and funding applications as needed

Supervisory Relationships:
This position requires formal supervisory responsibilities of the research staff which includes staff positions such as assessor, interventionist, data manager, and research assistant and student research assistants. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.
Education and Certifications:
  • Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) is required. Degree in fields such as Speech-Language Pathology, Psychology, Special Education, Neuroscience, or related field is strongly preferred.
  • Current State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist is a plus.
  • Certification for human subjects research is required.
  • Advanced training or certification in NDBI approaches (e.g., Early Start Denver Model, Project ImPACT, Enhanced Milieu Teaching or Enhanced Milieu Teaching en Español or equivalent) is strongly preferred.

Experience and Skills:
Required
  • Minimum 2 years of experience directing and implementing research projects with demonstrated ability to manage timelines, budgets, and team personnel
  • Proficiency in bilingual (Spanish-English) communication, with ability to conduct clinical assessments and caregiver coaching in both languages
  • Demonstrated experience coaching and supporting Latino families and caregivers on evidence-based early intervention strategies
  • Advanced proficiency with REDCap database management, including database design, data validation, user access management, and troubleshooting
  • Strong experience with Microsoft Office Suite and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated expertise in NDBI approaches and early childhood intervention with ability to model and train others
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse families and multidisciplinary research teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to prepare research reports and present findings
  • Demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts
  • Ability to lift and carry materials, walk across campus daily, and stand for extended periods
  • Access to reliable personal transportation for participant coordination and materials collection

Strongly Preferred
  • Certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
  • Expertise in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
  • Prior experience with intervention fidelity measurement and coaching
  • Prior experience with NIH-funded research or clinical trials
  • Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience with single-case research designs and data analysis
  • Cultural competency training and demonstrated commitment to health equity
  • Completion of ADOS training

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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