Principal Research Analyst Jobs
Principal Research Analyst jobs are open across healthcare, technology, financial services, government, and consulting, from mid-level analyst to senior and staff researcher, with specializations in quantitative methods, policy analysis, and market intelligence. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 52+ Principal Research Analyst jobs
Department
Booth Faculty Research - Research Professional
About the Department
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.
Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
- an unmatched faculty.
- degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
- a global body of nearly 61,000 accomplished alumni.
- strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.
As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment.
Job Summary
The Principal Researcher collaborates with Baris Ata to enable Prof. Ata’s research under his direction. The PR will be a major collaborator on scholarly work, and may be required to present that research at academic conferences.
Responsibilities
- Conducts collaborative research with faculty to be presented at academic forums and published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
- Collects data and conducts statistical analysis.
- Conducts literature reviews and performs research.
- Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
- Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- ABD status required by start date.
- PhD by start date in a field relevant to the research being conducted.
- PhD after one year of employment.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Proficiency in a programming language such as Python.
Preferred Competencies
- Outstanding verbal and written skills.
- Organizational and attention to detail skills.
- Work independently with little supervision.
- Self-motivated disposition.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes.
Working Conditions
- This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover letter (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$75,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
Booth Faculty Research - Research Professional
About the Department
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.
Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
- an unmatched faculty.
- degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
- a global body of nearly 61,000 accomplished alumni.
- strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.
As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment.
Job Summary
The Principal Researcher collaborates with Baris Ata to enable Prof. Ata’s research under his direction. The PR will be a major collaborator on scholarly work, and may be required to present that research at academic conferences.
Responsibilities
- Conducts collaborative research with faculty to be presented at academic forums and published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
- Collects data and conducts statistical analysis.
- Conducts literature reviews and performs research.
- Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
- Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- ABD status required by start date.
- PhD by start date in a field relevant to the research being conducted.
- PhD after one year of employment.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Proficiency in a programming language such as Python.
Preferred Competencies
- Outstanding verbal and written skills.
- Organizational and attention to detail skills.
- Work independently with little supervision.
- Self-motivated disposition.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes.
Working Conditions
- This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover letter (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$75,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Principal Research Analyst Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsPrincipal Research Analyst Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Gaming & Esports
- Media & Entertainment
- Technology & Software
- Investment & Asset Management
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal research analyst jobs.
- Advanced degree in a social science, public policy, statistics, or related quantitative field
- Seven or more years of research experience, including project ownership and stakeholder communication
- Proficiency in statistical software such as R, Python, Stata, or SPSS for data analysis
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute both qualitative and quantitative research studies
- Experience translating research findings into actionable recommendations for non-technical audiences
- Familiarity with survey design, experimental methods, and secondary data analysis
Tips for Your Principal Research Analyst Job Search
Tailor your resume to methodology
Principal research analyst postings screen heavily on research design. Name the specific methods you own, such as mixed-methods design, conjoint analysis, or longitudinal cohort studies, rather than listing generic skills like 'data analysis' or 'research experience'.
Surface cross-functional impact in bullets
Hiring managers at this level want evidence you influenced decisions, not just produced reports. Each resume bullet should name the stakeholder, the finding, and the downstream action it drove, so reviewers can see your work changed something.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal research analyst openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter by team structure before applying
Some principal research analyst roles sit inside a central insights function, others embed directly in product or policy teams. The team structure shapes your day-to-day scope significantly, so read job descriptions for reporting lines before you invest time in an application.
Prepare a research portfolio with one deep case
Bring one end-to-end project you can walk through in detail: the research question, your design tradeoffs, what you found, and how it was used. Interviewers at this level probe methodology decisions, not just outcomes.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
At the principal level, your ability to define your own research agenda is often negotiable. During offer conversations, clarify how much autonomy you have over project selection and whether you have direct access to decision-makers or route through a research director.
Principal Research Analyst Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal research analysts?
Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and FINRA are hiring the most principal research analysts right now, with openings concentrated in California, Virginia, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially active in technology, healthcare, and policy-focused organizations.
How many principal research analyst jobs are remote?
About 77% of principal research analyst openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the independent, deliverable-driven nature of the role. Policy research, market intelligence, and UX research specializations tend to have the highest share of remote-eligible postings compared to roles requiring on-site fieldwork or lab access.
How do you become a principal research analyst?
Most principal research analysts start with an advanced degree in a quantitative or social science field, then spend several years as a research analyst building ownership over full study cycles. Progression to the principal level typically requires demonstrating independent project leadership, cross-functional influence, and depth in at least one methodological area. Building a portfolio of studies that led to documented decisions accelerates that path.
Can you get hired as a principal research analyst without senior-level experience?
It's uncommon but possible if your work demonstrates the right depth, not just years. Candidates with highly specialized methodological expertise, a strong publication record, or documented impact on major decisions sometimes move into principal roles earlier. Focusing your applications on organizations where your niche directly matches an urgent research need gives you the best opening when your title history doesn't yet match the level.
What does the principal research analyst interview process look like?
Most processes include an initial screen with a recruiter or research lead, followed by a work-sample or case exercise where you walk through a past project in depth. Later rounds typically involve stakeholder interviews that probe how you communicate findings and influence decisions. Some organizations add a panel presentation where you present a research proposal or prior study to a cross-functional group.
Where can I find and apply to principal research analyst jobs?
You can find and apply to principal research analyst jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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