Principal Research Associate Jobs
Principal Research Associate jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, academic research, and healthcare, from mid-level researcher to senior and principal, with specializations in clinical research, molecular biology, and data analysis. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 196+ Principal Research Associate 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 Associate Jobs by Experience Level
See All 196+ Principal Research Associate Jobs
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Find JobsPrincipal Research Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
- AbbVie17
- Microsoft9
- Clarity Innovations6
- The IMA5
- University of Colorado5
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software10
- Science & Research6
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals6
- Gaming & Esports3
- Media & Entertainment3
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal research associate jobs.
- Master's or doctoral degree in a life science, chemistry, or related field
- Three or more years of hands-on laboratory or clinical research experience
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as SAS, R, or SPSS
- Experience designing and executing experimental protocols independently
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice or Good Clinical Practice standards
- Demonstrated ability to write or contribute to peer-reviewed publications or grant applications
Tips for Your Principal Research Associate Job Search
Tailor your resume to publication output
Principal research associate roles weigh your publication record, poster presentations, and grant contributions heavily. List each by journal, conference, or funding body so reviewers can verify scope and impact without digging through a dense paragraph.
Highlight cross-functional lab leadership
Many postings require you to mentor junior staff or coordinate between research teams and clinical operations. Call out specific examples where you led a protocol revision, trained a research assistant, or served as a liaison between departments.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal research associate openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Match your specialization to the posting's methodology
Job descriptions often name exact assays, platforms, or analytical frameworks like flow cytometry, CRISPR, or SAS. Mirror that language in your resume and cover letter so your application clears keyword screening before a human reviewer sees it.
Prepare a research narrative for interviews
Interviewers at the principal level expect you to explain not just what you did but why a study was designed a certain way. Practice a two-minute summary of your most complex project that covers hypothesis, method choice, unexpected findings, and what you would change.
Negotiate start date around grant cycles
Many principal research associate positions are tied to active grants with fixed budget periods. Knowing a lab's funding timeline before you negotiate lets you propose a start date that aligns with their reporting calendar and makes you a lower-risk hire.
Principal Research Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal research associates?
The companies hiring the most principal research associates right now include AbbVie, Microsoft, and Clarity Innovations, with the largest share of openings in California, Massachusetts, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pharmaceutical companies, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations consistently represent the largest share of postings.
How many principal research associate jobs are remote?
About 64% of principal research associate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by specialization. Roles focused on data analysis, biostatistics, regulatory writing, or literature review are far more likely to be remote than positions requiring wet lab work or on-site clinical coordination.
How do you become a principal research associate?
Most principal research associates start with a master's or doctoral degree in a life science or related discipline, then build several years of bench or clinical research experience at junior and associate levels. Advancing to the principal level typically requires leading independent projects, contributing to publications or grant applications, and demonstrating the ability to mentor others and manage protocols without close supervision.
Can you get hired as a principal research associate with limited experience?
Moving directly into a principal research associate role with limited experience is difficult, but candidates with a doctoral degree, strong publication records, or highly specialized technical skills sometimes qualify earlier than those on a traditional ladder. Targeting roles at smaller biotechs or startups, where titles are often broader, can also open doors that large research institutions keep closed to less experienced applicants.
What does the principal research associate interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a phone or video screen with a recruiter or hiring manager, followed by a technical interview focused on your research background, methodology choices, and data interpretation skills. Finalists are usually asked to present a summary of past research to the broader team and may complete a written exercise covering protocol design or data analysis before a final interview with senior leadership.
Where can I find and apply to principal research associate jobs?
You can find and apply to principal research associate jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialization, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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