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Talent Acquisition Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DIRECTOR, TALENT ACQUISITION

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most ... Director, Talent Acquisition POSITION SUMMARY: The Talent Acquisition Director leads the strategy ...

DIRECTOR, TALENT ACQUISITION

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most ... Director, Talent Acquisition POSITION SUMMARY: The Talent Acquisition Director leads the strategy ...

... university research, recruiting data updates, and other projects that support Talent Acquisition and improve recruiting processes. * Provide additional administrative support to the Talent ...

Conduct research on external talent market trends, competitor practices, and emerging technologies ... acquisition, HR strategy, or related roles. * Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel ...

Director Talent Acquisition - US

$106K - $146K/yr

About the Role As a leading global Biotechnology Contract Research Organization (CRO), we are seeking an experienced Director, Talent Acquisition to lead and oversee all recruitment operations across ...

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Talent Acquisition Researcher information

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$33.5K

$120.9K

$165.5K

How much do talent acquisition researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for talent acquisition researcher in the United States is $120,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a talent acquisition researcher?

Talent Acquisition Researchers are professionals who specialize in identifying, sourcing, and attracting qualified candidates for job openings within an organization. They conduct market research, analyze talent pools, and use various tools and platforms to find potential candidates who match the organization's hiring needs. Their work supports recruiters and hiring managers by building talent pipelines, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality candidates for current and future positions. Additionally, they often analyze hiring trends and competitor strategies to enhance recruitment effectiveness.

What are the main challenges talent acquisition researchers face when sourcing candidates for niche roles?

Talent Acquisition Researchers often encounter challenges sourcing candidates for niche roles due to limited talent pools and highly specific skill requirements. To overcome this, they must employ creative sourcing techniques, such as leveraging specialized job boards, professional networks, and Boolean search strategies. Additionally, building relationships with passive candidates and staying informed about industry trends helps them stay ahead. Collaboration with hiring managers is crucial to refine search criteria and ensure alignment throughout the recruitment process.

What is the difference between Talent Acquisition Researcher vs Recruiter?

AspectTalent Acquisition ResearcherRecruiter
Primary RoleResearches and identifies potential candidates, builds talent poolsSourcing, screening, and hiring candidates
Required SkillsResearch, data analysis, sourcing toolsInterviewing, candidate assessment, communication
Work EnvironmentResearch teams, talent acquisition departmentsRecruitment teams, HR departments
Common CertificationsTalent sourcing certifications, HR certificationsHR certifications, recruiting certifications

While both roles support hiring efforts, a Talent Acquisition Researcher focuses on sourcing and researching potential candidates, whereas a Recruiter manages the entire hiring process from screening to onboarding. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right talent acquisition tasks to each role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a talent acquisition researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Talent Acquisition Researcher, you need expertise in candidate sourcing, market mapping, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS), Boolean search techniques, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and persistence set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure effective talent identification, streamlined recruitment processes, and successful hiring outcomes for organizations.
More about Talent Acquisition Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Talent Acquisition Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Talent Acquisition Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Talent Acquisition Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,932 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

DIRECTOR, TALENT ACQUISITION

Scripps Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

 

POSITION TITLEDirector, Talent Acquisition

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Talent Acquisition Director leads the strategy, design, and execution of the institute's talent acquisition function, ensuring consistent, high-quality hiring experience across all institute functions and scientific departments. This role builds and leads a team of recruiting professionals, sets sourcing and pipeline strategy, and partners closely with hiring leaders and institute leadership to meet current and future workforce needs. The Director is responsible for the implementation and execution of Institute recruiting principles and practices using knowledge of federal and state employment laws, talent acquisition strategy, employer branding, and workforce planning.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

  • Identify current and future hiring needs and provide strategic direction to institute leadership on workforce planning, headcount forecasting, and organizational growth.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of talent acquisition professionals supporting institute functional groups and scientific departments through the full recruiting lifecycle.
  • Develop talent acquisition strategies that align with business objectives and key initiatives, including tracking and reporting on recruiting effectiveness, time to fill, quality of hire, and pipeline health.
  • Lead the development and coordination of recruiting initiatives, communication, and events between HR, institute leadership, and other functional groups.
  • Plan, develop, and direct approaches to source, proactively build, and maintain a quality talent pipeline to fill open positions across all institute functions.
  • Continuously assess internal factors and external labor market conditions to develop the most effective, economical, and appropriate strategies to attract and retain talent.
  • Own and evolve the employer brand and candidate experience, including career site content, interview process design, and offer strategy.
  • Partner with Compensation and HR leadership to ensure offers and leveling are consistent, equitable, and aligned to approved bands.
  • Supervise talent acquisition staff, providing recommendations, guidance, and support on issues and daily workload; foster technical competency and career progression.
  • Ensure that plans adhere to all relevant federal and state laws and regulations, such as ERISA and IRS guidelines.
  • Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

            REQUIREMENTS:

            • Bachelor's degree, preferably in HR, Business Management, or Organizational Development, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
            • PHR, SPHR, or AIRS/recruiting-specific certification preferred.
            • 10+ years of human resources experience, with a strong concentration in talent acquisition and recruiting leadership.
            • Solid track record of successfully building and scaling talent acquisition strategies and teams.
            • Has the ability to make decisions quickly and correctly, especially in time-critical, high-volume hiring situations.
            • Ability to manage competing hiring priorities across functions while maintaining a positive candidate and hiring-manager experience.
            • Knowledge of employment laws and regulations affecting recruiting and hiring, including OFCCP and affirmative action compliance.
            • High proficiency with sourcing strategies, employer branding, and other talent acquisition techniques to attract and retain talent.
            • Demonstrated ability to write clearly and elegantly, concisely, quickly, and effectively is essential, as is the ability to adapt writing style to a variety of audiences and publications.
            • While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

                              COMPENSATION: 

                              The expected hiring range for this position is $182,500 to $215,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements. 

                              COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

                              • Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
                              • Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
                              • Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
                              • Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
                              • Free, on-site parking 

                               

                              The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

                              EEO Statement:

                              The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.