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Senior Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Vanderbilt University

Research Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Research Assistant II reports directly to the Senior Research Associate/Project Director. The Research Assistant II will support multiple aspects of project operations, including assisting with ...

ICON

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Knoxville, TN ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

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How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in Tennessee is $40.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.47 and $45.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior research associate?

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.

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.

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

A senior research associate typically does not require a PhD, but many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or equivalent experience in the relevant field. Relevant skills, research experience, and technical proficiency often play a more significant role than the highest degree held.

How much does a senior research associate make in the US?

A senior research associate in the US typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Salaries can vary based on the organization and whether the role requires specialized skills or advanced degrees.
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Senior Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,033 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Research Assistant

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Position Summary:
The Research Assistant II is a vital support position within the Peredo Lab in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. This individual will support an NIH Phase 1 clinical trial investigating a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) approach for Latino families. The Research Assistant II is a 30 hour, 75% full-time term position responsible for assisting with day-to-day research operations in accordance with Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations, federal and sponsor regulations and guidelines, NIH guidelines, Vanderbilt Policies, and research protocols. The Research Assistant II reports directly to the Senior Research Associate/Project Director.
The Research Assistant II will support multiple aspects of project operations, including assisting with administrative tasks such as ordering materials and organizing meetings, supporting participant recruitment and family communication, completing phone screenings, aiding in assessment visits, performing transcription and coding, entering data, and completing assessment fidelities. This position requires bilingual competency in Spanish and English, with strong written Spanish skills; native fluency in Spanish is preferred.
Note: The anticipated duration of this role is dependent on continuing availability of funding. Work hours are flexible and based on research participant appointments and team needs, which are scheduled at all times of day, including morning, afternoon, late afternoon. This role is hybrid including days on campus and out in the field in the Nashville metro area; some remote work is allowed.
Key Functions and Expected Performance
Provide administrative support
  • Order and track laboratory and research materials and supplies
  • Organize and schedule team meetings, including preparing agendas and distributing meeting notes
  • Assist with general administrative tasks to support smooth project operations
  • Maintain organized records of project documents, correspondence, and materials

Support participant recruitment activities
  • Assist with outreach and recruitment efforts targeting Latino families in the community
  • Communicate with prospective and enrolled families in Spanish, both verbally and in writing
  • Conduct phone screenings with prospective participants to determine initial eligibility in accordance with IRB protocols
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant tracking logs and screening records
  • Follow up with families who require additional contact to support retention

Aid in assessment visits
  • Assist with scheduling and coordinating participant assessment visits
  • Support the administration of research assessments under the direction of senior research staff
  • Prepare assessment materials and ensure all necessary equipment and supplies are ready prior to visits
  • Complete assessment fidelity forms and checklists to ensure adherence to research protocols
  • Assist with participant navigation and hospitality during assessment visits

Perform transcription, coding, and data entry
  • Transcribe audio and video recordings of research sessions accurately and in a timely manner
  • Apply established coding schemes to transcribed data following researcher-provided guidelines
  • Enter research data accurately into REDCap and other project databases
  • Conduct data quality checks to identify and flag entry errors or inconsistencies
  • Maintain data entry logs and report data completion rates to supervising staff

Supervisory Relationships:
This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities. The Research Assistant II reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Research Associate/Project Director and the Principal Investigator.
Education and Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree is required. Degree in fields such as Psychology, Special Education, Communication Sciences, Human Development, or a related field is preferred.
  • Certification for human subjects research is required (or must be completed upon hire).

Experience and Skills:
Required
  • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, with strong written Spanish skills; native fluency in Spanish is preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work professionally and sensitively with diverse Latino families
  • Demonstrated ability to complete data entry accurately and efficiently
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to follow detailed research protocols and procedures with fidelity
  • 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
  • Prior experience in a research setting, particularly in clinical or behavioral research
  • Experience with REDCap or other data management systems
  • Experience with audio or video transcription
  • Familiarity with early childhood development or autism spectrum disorder research
  • Experience working with young children and families
  • Cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to equitable and inclusive research practices

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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