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Senior Researcher Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, SENIOR

Durham, NC · On-site

$95K - $121K/yr

Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of ...

Position Summary The Senior R&D Engineer plays a high impact role from concept to launch of innovative surgical products while leading project core teams through Design History File generation and ...

Senior R&D Program Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

R&D Sr. Program Manager- Hybrid, Cary,NC We're a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and questions ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Researcher information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$27.7K

$74.5K

$133.7K

How much do senior researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior researcher in Raleigh, NC is $74,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $95,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior researcher typically collaborate with junior team members and cross-functional departments?

Senior Researchers often play a mentorship role, guiding junior researchers through project design, data analysis, and publication processes. They frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as product development, data science, or policy groups to align research objectives with organizational goals. This often involves regular meetings, sharing insights, and ensuring research findings are effectively translated into actionable strategies. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for fostering a collaborative, innovative environment.

What is a senior researcher?

Senior Researchers are experienced professionals who lead and oversee research projects within their field of expertise. They are responsible for designing studies, analyzing data, mentoring junior researchers, and publishing findings in academic journals or industry reports. Their work often involves securing funding, collaborating with other experts, and ensuring research meets ethical and methodological standards. Senior Researchers play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and innovation within their organizations or institutions.

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

To thrive as a Senior Researcher, you need advanced analytical skills, subject matter expertise, and typically a PhD or equivalent experience in your field. Familiarity with specialized research software, statistical analysis tools, and data management systems is often required. Strong critical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills help in managing projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for driving innovative research, securing funding, and generating impactful results.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior researcher?

A PhD is often preferred for senior researcher roles, especially in academia and research institutions, as it demonstrates advanced expertise and research skills. However, some organizations may consider candidates with a master's degree combined with extensive experience and a strong publication record. Relevant skills, such as data analysis, project management, and familiarity with research tools, are also important.

What is the difference between Senior Researcher vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior ResearcherResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, extensive research experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized research skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, corporate, or government labs; leading projectsResearch-focused roles in labs, industry, or academia
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporationsResearch institutions, biotech, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonSenior ResearcherResearch Scientist

The main difference between a Senior Researcher and a Research Scientist lies in experience level and scope of responsibilities. Senior Researchers often lead projects and mentor junior staff, while Research Scientists focus on conducting specialized research. Both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, but Senior Researchers typically have more leadership duties and broader project oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Senior Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Senior Researcher jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Senior Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Researcher job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,468 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Policy Analyst, Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy Hybrid (Washington DC or Durham NC)

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, 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.
Policy Analyst
Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy
The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy at Duke University (Duke-Margolis) seeks to address critical health policy challenges and improve health, health equity, and the value of health care through practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of Duke-Margolis brings together policy experts, researchers, health care professionals, and students from across Duke's schools of medicine, nursing, law, public policy, business, and engineering, and fosters extensive relationships with stakeholders both internal and external. These relationships span foundations, private sector organizations, state and federal governments, and global entities. The Institute fosters excellence, leadership, and scholarship at every level.
Occupational Summary
Duke-Margolis has an opening for a Policy Analyst within the Institute's Biomedical Innovation research portfolio. The individual in this position will support projects focused on coverage, pricing, and payment policy for medical products including drugs, cell and gene therapies, and medical devices. This role will contribute to work aimed at improving strategies for ensuring access to innovative medical products while balancing affordability and sustainability. Areas of focus may include evaluating coverage policies, designing payment models, exploring value-based payment approaches, and analyzing various policies that impact the adoption and use of medical products.
This position performs a variety of complex activities in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data. Primary responsibilities include conducting health policy-focused background research; drafting summary documents; performing literature reviews; extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, peer-reviewed publications); and supporting planning and preparation for Institute events, public/private convening, and other project activities through both content development and project/ logistics coordination.
Duke-Margolis has offices in both Washington, DC and on Duke's main campus in Durham, NC. Durham, NC is preferred for this role though exceptional Washington, DC candidates may also be considered. Employees are currently working in a hybrid capacity with a combination of teleworking locally to the base office area (DC/MD/VA or NC, respectively) and in-person team collaboration.
Work Performed
Coordinate and perform a variety of complex individual activities, with increasing independence, in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data within the scope of research projects at Duke University, focused on specializations in health policy. Contribute to one large or multiple smaller projects under the guidance of a principal investigator and/or senior researcher. This position will have a primary focus on access to medical products through coverage, payment, and pricing policy. Candidates may also have the opportunity to contribute to projects in other domains of interest to the Institute such as medical product development, real-world data and evidence, regulatory science, medical device and pharmaceutical policy, healthcare delivery and payment reform, health equity, global health, health systems transformation, and the intersection of scientific and regulatory advancement with broader US health policy reforms.
Collaborate with senior researchers to conduct research, perform literature reviews, draft summary documents, and perform extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, public reports and recommendations, peer-reviewed journal articles) on a broad range of health policy topics.
Identify and evaluate potential sources of qualitative and quantitative data, evidence, and information as appropriate for addressing project questions and objectives. Make recommendations for use. Evaluate and interpret data collected from diverse sources. Synthesize and translate complex information from a wide range of inputs into clear and accessible written material for a range of audiences. Prepare oral and/or written reports and analyses to present findings, establish progress, analyze trends, and provide recommendations and/or conclusions.
Produce high-quality written work products and deliverables. Plan, implement, and coordinate activities to execute assigned elements of plans and projects.
Coordinate and support the execution of Duke-Margolis public and expert convenings (e.g., workshops, roundtables, seminars, other varied stakeholder meetings) through topic-focused policy research, preparatory analysis and writing to craft clear and concise materials for stakeholder and expert review and response, coordination, and logistics management for events ranging in size from focused expert panels to large-scale public events.
Assist in the identification of content experts and stakeholder groups to engage in projects and events through independent research, phone interviews, and correspondence.
Monitor developments in relevant content areas by attending meetings and engaging in ongoing review of relevant sources (e.g., news, legislation, policy statements, etc); prepare internal briefing materials on assigned topic areas. Independently notify colleagues of policy changes and provide in-depth analysis of impacts to the health care system and/or health policy landscape.
Support principal investigators and senior researchers in developing draft presentations, speaking points, and policy briefs.
Maintain liaison with project participants, project personnel, faculty members, and other relevant parties to support project deliverables and objectives. Coordinate project activities and logistics with stakeholders, industry representatives, and policy professionals as required to support project execution, data collection, and/or dissemination of findings.
Support senior researchers in event planning and preparation. Coordinate with senior researchers and administrative staff to organize and plan convening activities and events relevant to targeted scientific and policy issues.
Suggest project ideas, innovations, and workflow improvements. Contribute to strong and supportive working relationships across the project team(s) and Institute.
Minimum Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position (e.g., policy, public health, public administration, economics, science, engineering, law, or field directly related to the position).
Experience: Work requires two years of experience in policy/research/data analysis or related position.
Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
Desired Skills:
  • Strong research and writing experience.
  • Policy research skills, including the ability to synthesize content from a broad range of sources. Data analysis capabilities are preferred.
  • Strong written communication skills and the ability to transform complicated information into easy-to-understand materials.
  • Ability to interact professionally with senior-level individuals (e.g., local, state, and national policymakers), stakeholders, and organizations.
  • Familiarity with current trends and regulations in topic areas relevant to the specific position.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities and able to respond flexibly to changing needs.
  • Proficient in use of standard computing software (including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint); capacity to learn additional job-specific programs as required.
  • Administrative, project coordination, and/or project management experience is preferred.
  • Training or experience in the fields of health policy, public policy, public health, science, or engineering is preferred.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Engagements are renewable annually upon funding availability. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Materials Required:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three References (names and email addresses)

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $51,510.00 to USD $96,900.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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 reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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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.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US