Senior Research Associate
What this job does:
Independently executes research work with strong methods and documentation, analyzes data, improves protocols, and contributes written outputs while coordinating with collaborators.
This job is similar to these lab/research tasks:
Own a multi-study research plan like a dissertation roadmap; manage collaborators and vendors; set QC checkpoints and review data; turn results into prioritized next steps; run stakeholder readouts like group meetings; mentor juniors and set standards
Typical starting salary range
$118,725 to $198,575
Salary estimate represented as 25th to 75th percentile. Gathered from recent job postings, Glassdoor.com, and Salary.com
Daily task breakdown
- Design and execute research activities (data collection, experiments, instruments) (30%)
- Analyze data and synthesize findings (25%)
- Maintain and improve study methods (protocols, instruments, QA, reproducibility) (20%)
- Write and disseminate outputs (reports, manuscripts, presentations) (15%)
- Other: project coordination, collaboration, and training others (10%)
Skills you'll use in this job:
Study execution with rigor; quantitative and/or qualitative analysis; documentation discipline; scientific writing; time management; collaboration and communication; ability to independently troubleshoot and deliver
Talk about these PhD skills in your resume and interview:
Emphasize independent ownership of complex methods, reliable data generation, and producing written deliverables. Translate manuscripts, figure-making, and protocol development into stakeholder-ready reports and reproducible study execution.
Alternative job titles to search:
Senior RA; Research Associate II/III; Senior Laboratory Associate; Senior Scientist, Research Associate (title variant); Senior Research Technologist
*Note:
-Job titles are inconsistent between companies. Try various keywords.
-PhDs tend to undershoot seniority level. Target higher than you think.
