Research Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
Research assistant jobs in Pittsburgh are concentrated in Oakland, Shadyside, and the Strip District, driven by the city's dense cluster of universities, medical centers, and technology research institutions. Employers actively hiring include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and UPMC. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The Geriatric Psychiatry Neuroimaging Program (GPN) studies brain and behavioral changes associated with aging and their relationship to the mental and cognitive health of older adults. This position will provide research coordination and participant support across multiple GPN studies, with a particular focus on neuroimaging visits and direct interaction with older adult research participants. The employee will coordinate complex study activities, including MRI scheduling and preparation, accompany participants through research procedures, and support blood sample processing, delivery, and data management activities. The position will also work closely with undergraduate research students, helping to coordinate and support their contributions to SERA study activities, particularly those related to blood samples and data management. The employee will work collaboratively across the research team to support the day-to-day operations of the program.
This position is grant funded.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate in all recruitment activities, handle project specific tasks, and assist with day to day activities for research project including recruitment, data collection, participant payments, budget management, etc.
- Independently execute job functions for research protocol(s) including recruitment, scheduling appointments, obtaining written consent forms, collecting data by conducting phone or face to face interviews for research project(s) as needed.
- Bachelors degree required preferably in psychology, neuroscience, sociology, or related research field.
- Minimum of two years of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.
- Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
- Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
- Prior supervisory and/or project management experience preferred.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Act 34
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
The Geriatric Psychiatry Neuroimaging Program (GPN) studies brain and behavioral changes associated with aging and their relationship to the mental and cognitive health of older adults. This position will provide research coordination and participant support across multiple GPN studies, with a particular focus on neuroimaging visits and direct interaction with older adult research participants. The employee will coordinate complex study activities, including MRI scheduling and preparation, accompany participants through research procedures, and support blood sample processing, delivery, and data management activities. The position will also work closely with undergraduate research students, helping to coordinate and support their contributions to SERA study activities, particularly those related to blood samples and data management. The employee will work collaboratively across the research team to support the day-to-day operations of the program.
This position is grant funded.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate in all recruitment activities, handle project specific tasks, and assist with day to day activities for research project including recruitment, data collection, participant payments, budget management, etc.
- Independently execute job functions for research protocol(s) including recruitment, scheduling appointments, obtaining written consent forms, collecting data by conducting phone or face to face interviews for research project(s) as needed.
- Bachelors degree required preferably in psychology, neuroscience, sociology, or related research field.
- Minimum of two years of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting is required.
- Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
- Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
- Prior supervisory and/or project management experience preferred.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Act 34
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
See All 78 Research Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh
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Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Job Market in Pittsburgh
Who's Hiring
- Carnegie Mellon University42
- University of Pittsburgh21
- UPMC16
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
Research Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research assistant job in Pittsburgh?
The strongest entry points in Pittsburgh are its academic medical centers, university research programs, and technology-focused think tanks clustered in Oakland and Shadyside. Candidates with hands-on lab experience, data analysis skills, or a background in life sciences, behavioral research, or engineering stand out most. Applying directly through institutional hiring portals and networking within Pittsburgh's tight-knit research community gives a measurable edge over general applications.
Which companies hire research assistants in Pittsburgh?
Companies currently hiring research assistants in Pittsburgh include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and UPMC, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pittsburgh's hiring landscape skews heavily toward academic institutions, hospital systems, and federally funded research labs, alongside a growing number of AI and robotics firms based in the East End.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in Pittsburgh?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the role type. Desk-based and analytical research positions are far more remote-friendly than hands-on lab or clinical roles, which typically require on-site presence. About 0% of research assistant openings tied to Pittsburgh are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. Survey research, literature review, and data-coding positions are the most commonly offered in a remote or hybrid format locally.
How can I get a research assistant job in Pittsburgh with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Pittsburgh is through volunteer or paid undergraduate research positions at the city's major universities in Oakland, which regularly place students into funded research roles. Local hospital systems and nonprofit research centers also hire entry-level coordinators and data entry assistants who can grow into full research assistant roles. Demonstrating familiarity with IRB protocols, basic statistical software, or clinical data systems gives candidates a concrete edge in Pittsburgh's research-heavy hiring environment.
Which industries hire the most research assistants in Pittsburgh?
The sectors hiring the most research assistants in Pittsburgh are Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pittsburgh's historic concentration of world-class universities, teaching hospitals, and federally funded robotics and AI research programs makes it one of the densest markets for research assistant roles in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest region.
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