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Senior Research Associate Jobs in Naperville, IL

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Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $138K/yr

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

ICON

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

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

Icon plc

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

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

ICON

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Midwest 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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All JobsResearch Associate JobsSenior Research Associate JobsSenior Research Associate Jobs in Naperville, IL

Senior Research Associate information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$22

$44

$65

How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in Naperville, IL is $44.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.93 and $50.38 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 Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,548 per year, or $45 per hour.

Senior Research Associate

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The University of Chicago's Development Innovation Lab (DIL) and the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics invites applications for a non-tenure track Senior Research Associate position, with a focus on Development Economics and Mathematics. The position will be a two-year, renewable appointment that will begin on October 1, 2026, or soon thereafter.
The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
The Senior Research Associate (SRA) will be the research lead for weather forecasting at DIL. They will work closely with the faculty Director (Michael Kremer) on large-scale human centered weather forecasting initiatives. The SRA will help lead the Lab's work to develop, adapt, and validate scalable weather forecasting innovations to inform agricultural decision-making. Examples of research projects might include Human-Centered Weather Forecasting in Indonesia, India, and Ethiopia.
The SRA will also help apply for grants and secure funds for research and will be responsible for both fundraising and for overseeing project budgets. The SRA might be responsible for overseeing junior staff. The position is based in Chicago.
This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Review of applications will begin 30 days after the posting date and will continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Qualifications
Prior to the start of employment, qualified applicants must possess a Ph.D. in mathematics or related field. We especially welcome applicants with:
  • A strong early-career research record in development economics and weather forecasting, including publications and working papers in progress
  • Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience developing and validating statistical and/or forecasting methodology
  • Experience applying quantitative methods to development contexts, and translating them into applied forecasting work with policy or field partners
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through oral presentations and written work
  • Experience designing and overseeing large-scale forecasting efforts, including methods deployed in operational or real-world settings
  • A record of methodological contributions to the design and evaluation of weather forecasts
  • Demonstrated success developing models that have been adopted by government agencies or international organizations

Application Instructions
To be considered, those interested must apply through the University of Chicago, Academic Recruitment board, which uses Interfolio to accept applications: apply.interfolio.com/191581.
Applications must include a curriculum vitae, cover letter, contact information for three references, and up to three published or unpublished research papers.

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