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Senior Research Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Duke University

Research Associate, Senior

Durham, NC · On-site

Senior Research Associate Position in Epitranscriptomics in the Meyer Lab (Duke University) The Meyer Laboratory at Duke University is seeking a highly motivated senior research associate to join an ...

NCSU

Research Associate, Roadway Safety

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

The Research Associate will contribute to technical analyses, research tasks, report preparation, and implementation support activities under the guidance of senior research staff and project ...

Labcorp

Sr. Clinical Research Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The Sr. Clinical Research Associate will serve as a key operational partner, acting as the primary point of contact for assigned external study sites, investigators, and collaborators while ...

Labcorp

Sr. Clinical Research Associate

Durham, NC · On-site +1

The Sr. Clinical Research Associate will serve as a key operational partner, acting as the primary point of contact for assigned external study sites, investigators, and collaborators while ...

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How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in Raleigh, NC is $43.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.92 and $49.09 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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Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,072 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Research Associate, Senior

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

 

Senior Research Associate Position in Epitranscriptomics in the Meyer Lab (Duke University)

 

The Meyer Laboratory at Duke University is seeking a highly motivated senior research associate to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding how RNA modifications regulate gene expression and cellular function in health and disease.

Our laboratory investigates the molecular and biological functions of m6A, the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA. We are particularly interested in uncovering how m6A shapes RNA: protein interactions, influences brain function, and contributes to disease processes. Ongoing projects combine molecular biology, neurobiology, biochemistry, and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in RNA regulation.

Minimum Requirements: 

Min Degree Requirements:  Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.).
Other Credential/Experiential Requirements:  5 + years of postdoctoral experience conducting scientific research.  

This position is 

  • Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

                                                   

Available research areas include:

  • Mechanistic studies of how m6A alters RNA:protein interactions across the transcriptome
  • Defining the roles of m6A and RNA-binding proteins in brain development, neural function, and neurological disease
  • Development of next-generation technologies for spatial epitranscriptomics
  • Discovery of novel m6A readers, repelled proteins, and regulatory mechanisms controlling gene expression in cancer

We welcome applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds. Individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

  • RNA biology and epitranscriptomics
  • Gene regulation and functional genomics
  • Cell and molecular biology
  • Neuroscience or neurobiology
  • Bioinformatics, computational biology, and large-scale data analysis

 

Choose Duke. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Successful candidates will join a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment at Duke University with access to outstanding resources, state-of-the-art core facilities, and opportunities for scientific and professional development.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. and at least 5 years of postdoctoral experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, computational biology, or a related field, and have a strong publication record and demonstrated research productivity.

To apply, please submit an application and send your CV to kate.meyer@duke.edu.

See more about our work here: www.themeyerlab.com


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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