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Senior Research Associate Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

410 ICR United States USA

Senior CRA

Ames, IA · On-site

Senior CRA- Phase I Oncology/Mountain West-IA/UT/CO/KS/NE ICON is a global healthcare intelligence ... Extensive experience as a Clinical Research Associate, with a strong understanding of clinical ...

Deloitte

Tax Senior - Private Wealth

Des Moines, IA

$79K - $98K/yr

In this role, you'll review tax research and workpapers, support the preparation of tax returns ... Work You'll Do As a Tax Senior in our Private Wealth Tax practice, you'll work on sophisticated ...

Infosys

2A - RSUL - Customer Service

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Customer Service Senior Process Associate In the role of Senior Process Associate - Customer ... Identify customers' needs, clarify information, research every issue, and provide solutions

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Senior Research Associate information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$21

$43

$62

How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in Waukee, IA is $43.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.44 and $48.41 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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What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Senior Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Senior Research Associate job openings:

Senior Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,847 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist

Ames, IA • On-site

CPS, Inc. (Food & Beverage Division)
See more jobs at CPS, Inc. (Food & Beverage Division)external

$96K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Senior Research ScientistThe responsibilities of the Senior Research Scientist will include:Lead and oversee R&D initiatives focused on enzyme product development and their application in food products.Design, optimize, and validate enzyme formulations for a range of food applications, with particular emphasis on bakery products.Plan and execute experiments, analyze results, and assess the performance and effectiveness of enzyme solutions.Partner with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Production, and Quality Assurance, to support successful product development and commercialization efforts.Monitor emerging trends and advancements in enzyme technology and food science to support ongoing innovation.Develop technical reports, presentations, and publications to communicate research outcomes and project updates.Provide technical expertise and support to internal stakeholders and external customers.Salary$130,000 - $145,000Benefits AvailableQualifications:Education & Experience:Master?s degree I Food Science, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline with 10+ years of experience in the food industry (preferably bakery), specializing in enzyme product development and applications; orPhD in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience in enzyme development and applications within the food sector (preferably bakery).Candidates with lower levels of education and experience may be considered for Scientist or Associate Scientist roles.Technical & Professional Skills:Strong understanding of enzyme chemistry, functionality, and their use in food processing applications.Knowledge of regulatory requirements governing enzyme products in the food industry.Proficiency in experimental design and statistical analysis.Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.Willingness to travel approximately 10-15%.**If you?d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Mike Ribando at mribando cps4jobs.com.JO: 19.26MR#LI-MR1