Research Associate Jobs in North Carolina

Research Associate jobs in North Carolina are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in life sciences, clinical research, and academic science across a range from entry-level lab and data positions through senior research staff roles. The most active hiring markets are the Research Triangle area, Charlotte, and Greensboro, with anchor employers such as GlaxoSmithKline, Duke University Health System, and RTI International consistently posting openings. The most sought-after specialties in North Carolina are clinical trials coordination, bioanalytical research, and public health data analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles57
Top cityDurham, NC
Cities hiring9
Work type50% Remote
Top industryEducation
Companies hiring24

Showing 5 of 57+ Research Associate jobs

Thermo Fisher Scientific
FSP - Assistant Clinical Research Associate (ACRA)
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Added 1d ago
FSP - Assistant Clinical Research Associate (ACRA)
Thermo Fisher Scientific
North Carolina
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Post-Doc Research Associate
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Added 2d ago
Post-Doc Research Associate
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Doctorate in Pharmacology
10,000+

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V
Clinical Research Associate
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V
Added 2d ago
Clinical Research Associate
Vogenx, Inc.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
On-Site
Bachelor's degree

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V
Senior Clinical Research Associate
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Added 2d ago
Senior Clinical Research Associate
Vogenx, Inc.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Business Strategy
Product Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's degree

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Post-Doc Research Associate- CBMC (Aube Lab)
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Added 2d ago
Post-Doc Research Associate- CBMC (Aube Lab)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Business Operations
Program Management
Project Management
$67k - $72k/yr
Doctoral degree in chemistry
10,000+

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See All 57 Research Associate Jobs in North Carolina

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Research Associate Jobs by City in North Carolina

Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Chapel Hill
14 jobs
Raleigh
13 jobs
Greensboro
3 jobs
Charlotte
2 jobs
Greenville
2 jobs
Wilmington
2 jobs
Morrisville
2 jobs
Fayetteville
1 job

Research Associate Job Market in North Carolina

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

Who's Hiring

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill14
  • North Carolina State University
    North Carolina State University5
  • IQVIA
    IQVIA4
  • O
    Optimapharm d.o.o.4
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Thermo Fisher Scientific4

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Science & Research
  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • Staffing & Recruiting

What North Carolina Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across North Carolina.

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, public health, or a related scientific field
  • Experience with research protocols, data collection, and laboratory or field procedures
  • Proficiency in statistical software such as SAS, R, or SPSS for data analysis
  • Familiarity with IRB submission processes and federal research compliance standards
  • Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, manuscripts, and grant materials
  • Ability to manage multiple research tasks and meet deadlines in a team environment

Research Associate Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a research associate in North Carolina?

A bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific or social science discipline is the standard entry point, with many North Carolina employers in clinical research and life sciences preferring candidates who also hold a Certified Clinical Research Associate credential from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. North Carolina does not require a state-issued license specific to the research associate role, but positions in regulated clinical environments often require Good Clinical Practice training and documented protocol experience gained through internships, co-ops, or academic research centers.

Which companies hire research associates in North Carolina?

Employers hiring research associates in North Carolina right now include University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and IQVIA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. North Carolina's deep concentration of pharmaceutical, contract research, and university-affiliated employers means openings arise across a wide range of research settings, from large corporate sponsors to federally funded academic institutes.

Which North Carolina cities have the most research associate jobs?

The cities with the most research associate openings in North Carolina are Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. The Research Triangle anchors the market because it hosts the highest density of pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and major research universities in the state, while Charlotte's growing healthcare and biotechnology sector and Greensboro's academic medical institutions drive hiring in those metros.

Are there remote research associate jobs in North Carolina?

Yes, though they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research associate roles require on-site lab work, specimen handling, or participant interaction. About 63% of research associate openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the segment of positions focused on data management, regulatory documentation, and statistical analysis that can be performed off-site.

How can I get hired as a research associate in North Carolina with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying to research coordinator or research assistant roles at North Carolina's large academic medical centers, such as those affiliated with UNC Health, Duke Health, or Wake Forest Baptist Health, which regularly onboard new graduates into structured research support positions. Completing a clinical research internship or gaining experience through a university research lab during undergraduate study gives candidates a concrete edge, and earning a Good Clinical Practice certification before applying signals readiness to employers who sponsor those training pathways internally.

Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in North Carolina?

You can find and apply to research associate jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current North Carolina openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, experience level, and preferred location across the state, then apply directly to the positions that fit.

See All 57 Research Associate Jobs in North Carolina

Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Research Associate Jobs