Principal Research Fellow Jobs
Principal Research Fellow jobs are open across academia, life sciences, government research agencies, and healthcare, from senior researcher to principal and distinguished fellow levels, with specializations in clinical research, biomedical science, and computational methods. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job Description
To build more high-performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most urgent and exciting work of our time. Uncommon Schools Principal Fellows are strategically trained and developed using best-in-class practices with the goal of stepping into an Uncommon Principal role upon completion of the Fellowship, in which they will co-lead a school alongside an Uncommon Director of Operations. This Principal Fellow and eventual Principal is a full-time employee, hired, supported, and evaluated by the Regional Superintendent of Instruction and the Senior Director of School Support. The fellowship is based on a foundation of core elements aligned to the competencies of Uncommon Principals. Each element is designed to build Principal Fellows’ capacity towards becoming effective instructional school leaders:
Feedback and Assessment
Feedback, especially individualized feedback, is the main tool that will support the Principal Fellow’s growth as a leader and is the main reason our schools go from good to great. Principal Fellows will receive feedback formally and informally throughout the Fellowship during their time in schools, professional development, and in cross-regional Fellow cohort gatherings. This will include feedback from the Principal Fellow’s Host Principal, the Regional Superintendent of Instruction, and the Senior Director of School Support.
School Immersion
By integrating fully into the day-to-day activities of an Uncommon school, Principal Fellows will gain exposure to situations they may face as a school leader and be challenged to manage the complexity of scenarios that occur at a school. Principal Fellows will work with their Host Principal and the Senior Director of School Support throughout their Fellowship to plan how they will master the skills and competencies needed to lead a high-performing school, including Instructional Leadership, Teacher Development, School Culture, and Family Engagement. Principal Fellows are “in the driver’s seat” of their learning and must seek and plan for opportunities throughout their Fellowship to demonstrate a leadership presence and readiness to lead while being fully immersed within a school.
Professional Development
Principal Fellows join our Principals in monthly, cross-regional professional development. This is an important opportunity to learn alongside Principals and cohort members about the most up-to-date instructional leadership and people management best practices to develop your leadership capabilities.
In addition, Principal Fellows will attend a series of cohort-specific professional development workshops which are more intimate and allow for more “at-bats,” practice and direct application to their school immersion. These cohort sessions will provide opportunities for Principal Fellows to look to one another for professional and personal support.
Qualifications
- Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools;
- Passionate commitment to expand knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students both in and out of school;
- Dedication to building culturally responsive learning partnerships with students, teachers, and families;
- Demonstrates tenacity, personal responsibility, a founder’s mentality, and a commitment to continual professional growth;
- Strong people management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold staff, scholars, and families accountable in a supportive manner;
- Ability to develop and maintain a strong staff culture that is clearly focused on realizing our Uncommon mission;
- Strong data analysis skills;
- Ability to provide high-leverage feedback via classroom observations;
- Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens toward systems thinking;
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed;
- Familiarity and success with–or commitment to–implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles);
-
Required experience:
- At least 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement;
- At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing teachers (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, Instructional Leader, grade level chair, content/department chair);
- Experience teaching core subjects (e.g., Math, ELA, Science, History) is preferred.
- A Bachelor's degree.
Additional Information
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
Our Approach to AI and Your Application
At Uncommon Schools, we value thoughtful use of technology. Your responses should begin with your own thinking and reflect your authentic voice, experiences, and commitment to our mission. Generative AI can be used to refine or organize writing, but not to generate initial responses or replace your ideas. Every application is reviewed by a member of our Recruitment Team, and we are committed to understanding the person behind the application.
Compensation
Compensation for this role is between $92,000 to $97,600. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $92,000.
Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and ~10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
- Extensive, best-in-class training and development
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
- Financial Planning
- 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
- Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
- Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
- A detailed list of all SY 26-27 benefits is located HERE.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve-with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job Description
To build more high-performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most urgent and exciting work of our time. Uncommon Schools Principal Fellows are strategically trained and developed using best-in-class practices with the goal of stepping into an Uncommon Principal role upon completion of the Fellowship, in which they will co-lead a school alongside an Uncommon Director of Operations. This Principal Fellow and eventual Principal is a full-time employee, hired, supported, and evaluated by the Regional Superintendent of Instruction and the Senior Director of School Support. The fellowship is based on a foundation of core elements aligned to the competencies of Uncommon Principals. Each element is designed to build Principal Fellows’ capacity towards becoming effective instructional school leaders:
Feedback and Assessment
Feedback, especially individualized feedback, is the main tool that will support the Principal Fellow’s growth as a leader and is the main reason our schools go from good to great. Principal Fellows will receive feedback formally and informally throughout the Fellowship during their time in schools, professional development, and in cross-regional Fellow cohort gatherings. This will include feedback from the Principal Fellow’s Host Principal, the Regional Superintendent of Instruction, and the Senior Director of School Support.
School Immersion
By integrating fully into the day-to-day activities of an Uncommon school, Principal Fellows will gain exposure to situations they may face as a school leader and be challenged to manage the complexity of scenarios that occur at a school. Principal Fellows will work with their Host Principal and the Senior Director of School Support throughout their Fellowship to plan how they will master the skills and competencies needed to lead a high-performing school, including Instructional Leadership, Teacher Development, School Culture, and Family Engagement. Principal Fellows are “in the driver’s seat” of their learning and must seek and plan for opportunities throughout their Fellowship to demonstrate a leadership presence and readiness to lead while being fully immersed within a school.
Professional Development
Principal Fellows join our Principals in monthly, cross-regional professional development. This is an important opportunity to learn alongside Principals and cohort members about the most up-to-date instructional leadership and people management best practices to develop your leadership capabilities.
In addition, Principal Fellows will attend a series of cohort-specific professional development workshops which are more intimate and allow for more “at-bats,” practice and direct application to their school immersion. These cohort sessions will provide opportunities for Principal Fellows to look to one another for professional and personal support.
Qualifications
- Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools;
- Passionate commitment to expand knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students both in and out of school;
- Dedication to building culturally responsive learning partnerships with students, teachers, and families;
- Demonstrates tenacity, personal responsibility, a founder’s mentality, and a commitment to continual professional growth;
- Strong people management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold staff, scholars, and families accountable in a supportive manner;
- Ability to develop and maintain a strong staff culture that is clearly focused on realizing our Uncommon mission;
- Strong data analysis skills;
- Ability to provide high-leverage feedback via classroom observations;
- Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens toward systems thinking;
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed;
- Familiarity and success with–or commitment to–implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles);
-
Required experience:
- At least 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement;
- At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing teachers (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, Instructional Leader, grade level chair, content/department chair);
- Experience teaching core subjects (e.g., Math, ELA, Science, History) is preferred.
- A Bachelor's degree.
Additional Information
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
Our Approach to AI and Your Application
At Uncommon Schools, we value thoughtful use of technology. Your responses should begin with your own thinking and reflect your authentic voice, experiences, and commitment to our mission. Generative AI can be used to refine or organize writing, but not to generate initial responses or replace your ideas. Every application is reviewed by a member of our Recruitment Team, and we are committed to understanding the person behind the application.
Compensation
Compensation for this role is between $92,000 to $97,600. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $92,000.
Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and ~10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
- Extensive, best-in-class training and development
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
- Financial Planning
- 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
- Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
- Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
- A detailed list of all SY 26-27 benefits is located HERE.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve-with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
Principal Research Fellow Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsPrincipal Research Fellow Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal research fellow jobs.
- PhD in a relevant scientific or academic discipline required
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication as lead or corresponding author
- Experience as principal investigator on externally funded research grants
- Proficiency with discipline-specific research software and statistical analysis tools
- Ability to mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students
- Experience presenting research findings at national or international conferences
Tips for Your Principal Research Fellow Job Search
Tailor your CV to research impact
Principal research fellow roles weigh your publication record, grant funding history, and citation impact heavily. Lead with a concise research statement that names your primary domain and two or three signature contributions rather than listing every paper you have ever authored.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal research fellow openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target departments, not just institutions
Principal research fellow positions are often posted at the department or center level, not institution-wide. Search by research center name, lab PI, or funding program area so you catch openings that broad title searches miss entirely.
Demonstrate independent funding capability
Hiring committees at this level want evidence you can secure your own grants. Name specific mechanisms you have led as principal investigator, the funding agencies involved, and whether you brought indirect cost recovery to the institution.
Prepare a research vision statement before interviews
Most principal research fellow interviews include a research presentation and a vision discussion. Draft a five-year research roadmap that connects your current work to the institution's strategic priorities, then rehearse it until the narrative flows without notes.
Negotiate startup packages, not just salary
At this level, lab space allocation, graduate student funding lines, and equipment commitments often matter more than base pay. Know your minimum requirements for each before you receive an offer so you can respond quickly and negotiate from a clear position.
Principal Research Fellow Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal research fellows?
The most active employers for principal research fellows right now are Uncommon Schools, Georgia Tech, and Unity Technologies, and the most openings are in New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Academic medical centers, federal research agencies, and large life sciences organizations tend to post the most roles at this level.
How do you become a principal research fellow?
Start by completing a doctoral degree in your field, then build an independent research portfolio through postdoctoral appointments or junior faculty roles. Establish a publication record as a lead author, win at least one externally funded grant as principal investigator, and develop a mentoring history. Institutions typically expect candidates to demonstrate they can sustain an independent research program before appointing someone at the principal fellow level.
Can you get a principal research fellow role without extensive experience?
It's rare but possible in a narrow set of circumstances. Researchers who have produced unusually high-impact work, led a major multi-site project, or brought significant external funding to a previous institution can sometimes accelerate to this level earlier than peers. Most hiring committees look for a credible argument that you can operate independently, so a strong first-author publication in a top journal and evidence of grant leadership matter more than years in role alone.
What does the principal research fellow interview process look like?
Most institutions use a multi-stage process that begins with a screening call with the hiring manager or department chair. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to give a formal research seminar to the department and a separate meeting with senior leadership. Finalists often participate in one-on-one conversations with potential collaborators and a committee review before an offer is extended. The full process typically takes several months from application to decision.
Where can I find and apply to principal research fellow jobs?
You can find and apply to principal research fellow jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your research area and institution type, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and career goals.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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