Senior Research Associate
What this job does:
Executes and documents complex experiments to support R&D programs. Maintains models and assays, trains others, and contributes to method improvements and data interpretation.
This job is similar to these lab/research tasks:
Run complex experiments independently; troubleshoot protocols and instruments; maintain detailed lab records; manage sample tracking and reagents; train junior lab members; coordinate overlapping experimental timelines.
Typical starting salary range
$119k to $199k
Salary estimate represented as 25th to 75th percentile. Gathered from recent job postings, Glassdoor.com, and Salary.com
Daily task breakdown
- Bench experiments and data generation (45%)
- Method execution plus incremental optimization (20%)
- Data analysis and record-keeping/reporting (15%)
- Collaboration and project execution support (10%)
- Other: inventory, training, and general lab operations (10%)
Skills you'll use in this job:
High-quality bench execution; reliable data generation at pace; strong documentation (ELN/LIMS); method execution plus incremental optimization; structured troubleshooting; collaboration and communication; lab operations (inventory, sample tracking)
Talk about these PhD skills in your resume and interview:
Map your PhD daily work directly: running assays, maintaining cultures or models, keeping detailed notes, coordinating experiments, and delivering reliable datasets on deadlines.
Alternative job titles to search:
Research Associate III; Senior RA; Research Associate (Senior); Senior Scientist, Research Associate track; Associate Scientist II/III; Senior Laboratory Associate; Senior Research Technologist; Senior Research Assistant; Senior Research Specialist; Senior Experimentalist
*Note:
-Job titles are inconsistent between companies. Try various keywords.
-PhDs tend to undershoot seniority level. Target higher than you think.
