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Senior Research Associate Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Natera

Senior Research Associate

Austin, TX · On-site

The Product Development Sr. Research Associate will contribute to the design, execution and participation in experiments/tasks to support oncology product development and verification and validation ...

Natera

Senior Research Associate

Austin, TX · On-site

$69K - $87K/yr

The Product Development Sr. Research Associate will contribute to the design, execution and participation in experiments/tasks to support oncology product development and verification and validation ...

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$23

$46

$67

How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in Austin, TX is $46.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.38 and $52.36 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.
More about Senior Research Associate jobs

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Senior Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $97,129 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Senior Research Associate

Natera

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Natera rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 121 rated laboratories

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Product Development Sr. Research Associate will contribute to the design, execution and participation in experiments/tasks to support oncology product development and verification and validation (V&V) studies under design control, for next generation sequencing (NGS) assays. We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated candidate with direct laboratory experience in assay development who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and driven professional who is eager to learn, flexible, enjoys multi-tasking and possesses strong wet lab skills. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • With some supervision, design and execute low to moderate complexity experimental workflows, including cfDNA extraction, library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) using both manual and automated platforms, employing various molecular biology and standard laboratory methods in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
  • Assist with the design, plan and execution of experiments to support the development and V&V of oncology assays
  • Maintain a detailed and organized electronic laboratory notebooks and accurate records of lab work using a variety of software including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and internal databases
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical tools
  • Assist in drafting documentation including study protocols, reports, SOPs and work instructions
  • Coordinate across multiple internal teams to ensure the timely execution of the studies.
  • Adapt to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned
  • Learn the science behind ongoing research projects while actively completing increasingly complex tasks

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 4 years of laboratory and/or relevant industry experience or MS with 0-2 years of relevant experience. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Must have hands-on experience with DNA extraction from biological samples, e.g. blood, plasma, tissue and BLS1, BLS2 experience
  • Must have hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques (purification, quantification, amplification using PCR, qPCR, Quant-IT/Qubit, BioAnalyzer or TapeStation)
  • Hands-on experience with NGS library preparation and Illumina sequencing platforms is highly preferred
  • Experience in a regulatory environment under IVD, CLIA/CAP is highly desired
  • Experience in implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays using liquid handling techniques
  • Knowledge of statistical methods and techniques to contribute to analytical studies is desired
  • Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced lab under minimal supervision, managing multiple tasks and priorities with minimal errors is highly desired
  • Effective communication skills, including gathering information from different teams, communicating with suppliers, writing protocols, and summarizing results in reports or presentations 
  • Excellent with Microsoft Office programs and Google Drive including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms   
  • Ability to think creatively and analytically with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Team player with strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective working relationships within functional areas

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