Research Associate Jobs

Research Associate jobs are open across academia, biotech, pharmaceuticals, public health, and social sciences, at every level from new-grad to senior, with specializations in clinical research, data analysis, and laboratory science. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles3,495+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerMedpace
Top cityNew York, NY
Work type91% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 3,495+ Research Associate jobs

Northeastern University
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Northeastern University
New 3h ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
$60k - $85k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
1,001-5,000

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Northeastern University
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Northeastern University
New 3h ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
$60k - $85k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
1,001-5,000

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Carnegie Mellon University
Physics Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Carnegie Mellon University
New 3h ago
Physics Postdoctoral Research Associate
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Laboratory Research
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Physics & Space Science
On-Site
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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Rutgers University
Research Associate II
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Rutgers University
New 3h ago
Research Associate II
Rutgers University
Piscataway, New Jersey
Laboratory Research
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials
$65k - $93k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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University of Miami
Research Associate 2
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University of Miami
New 3h ago
Research Associate 2
University of Miami
Miami, Florida
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Research Associate Job Market

A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Medpace
    Medpace100
  • University of Florida
    University of Florida69
  • Rutgers University
    Rutgers University68
  • University of Miami
    University of Miami46
  • Michigan State University
    Michigan State University45

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education1,409
  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals579
  • Healthcare & Medical Services533
  • Science & Research416
  • Consulting & Professional Services207

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs.

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific or social science field
  • Experience with statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata
  • Familiarity with IRB protocols, informed consent procedures, and research ethics
  • Proficiency in data collection, entry, and quality control processes
  • Strong written communication skills for reports, manuscripts, or grant summaries
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate laboratory or study records

Tips for Your Research Associate Job Search

Tailor your resume to the study type

Research associate roles in clinical trials, behavioral studies, and bench science each expect different skills on a resume. Swap generic terms like 'data collection' for method-specific language: IRB protocols, GLP compliance, or regression modeling, depending on what the posting actually describes.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists 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 keywords to the job posting

Many employers run applications through automated screening that flags specific tools and methods. Read the posting carefully and mirror its exact language, whether that's SPSS, REDCap, Western blot, or systematic review, so your resume clears the first filter.

Show your contribution, not just your duties

Hiring managers read dozens of resumes that list assay types or survey administration. Stand out by noting your actual contribution: the sample size you managed, the protocol deviation you flagged, or the dataset you cleaned and handed off to a statistician.

Ask about the PI or team lead in interviews

Your day-to-day experience as a research associate depends heavily on the principal investigator or team lead running the project. Asking one specific question about mentorship style or publication authorship norms signals professional maturity and helps you assess whether the role is actually a good fit.

Negotiate your title before you accept

Research associate titles vary widely across institutions and companies. Before accepting an offer, clarify what distinguishes your level from a research assistant or associate scientist, since your title affects internal promotion timelines and how your next employer reads your experience.

Research Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most research associates?

The companies hiring the most research associates right now include Medpace, University of Florida, and Rutgers University, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand is particularly concentrated in biotech, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations.

How many research associate jobs are remote?

About 9% of research associate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the highest remote share in roles focused on data analysis, systematic reviews, and qualitative research rather than laboratory or clinical site work, which typically requires an on-site presence.

How do you become a research associate?

You typically start by earning a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, public health, social sciences, or a closely related field, then build hands-on experience through undergraduate research, internships, or post-baccalaureate programs. Developing proficiency in at least one statistical or data management tool strengthens your application, and many candidates move into associate roles directly from a senior undergraduate thesis project or a research coordinator position.

Can you get a research associate job with little experience?

Yes, many entry-level research associate postings are designed for candidates with limited professional experience, particularly in academic settings and contract research organizations. Strong candidates with minimal paid experience focus on coursework-based research projects, volunteer lab hours, or thesis work, and emphasize transferable skills like data entry accuracy, protocol adherence, and scientific writing rather than years on the job.

What does the research associate interview process look like?

Most research associate interviews involve an initial phone or video screen with a recruiter or hiring manager, followed by a technical or skills-based conversation covering your methods experience and familiarity with relevant tools. Some employers add a written exercise, a lab practical, or a short presentation on a past project. Final rounds often include a meeting with the principal investigator or broader team to assess fit with the study's goals and working style.

Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs?

You can find and apply to research associate jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing. There's no need to go elsewhere to compare or cross-reference postings.

See All 3,495+ Research Associate Jobs

Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any research associate role that fits.

Find Research Associate Jobs