Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania

Research Associate jobs in Pennsylvania are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical development, and clinical sciences at levels from entry-level lab assistant through senior research associate. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Greater Lehigh Valley anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like University of Pennsylvania Health System, GSK, and Merck maintain large research operations. The most sought-after specialties include clinical data analysis, biomedical laboratory research, and policy and social science research tied to Pennsylvania's universities and health systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

Find Research Associate Jobs

Overview

Open roles47
Top employerCarnegie Mellon University
Top cityPittsburgh, PA
Cities hiring13
Work type65% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 47+ Research Associate jobs

Clinical Research Associate
We won't show you this job again
New 10h ago
Clinical Research Associate
UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Research & Academia
$24.32 - $40.54/hr
Bachelor's degree in business
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Research Associate, Cell Culture Process Development
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Research Associate, Cell Culture Process Development
Teva Pharmaceuticals
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Bachelor of Science
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
Doctoral degree in chemistry
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Science
Software Engineering
Doctoral degree in economics
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Liberatory Tech Research Associate
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Liberatory Tech Research Associate
Penn State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Higher Education
Research & Academia
Teaching & Instruction
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree in information science
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

See All 47 Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania

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

Find Research Associate Jobs

Research Associate Jobs by City in Pennsylvania

Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Audubon
2 jobs
Blue Bell
2 jobs
Spring House
2 jobs
West Chester
2 jobs
Reading
1 job
Windber
1 job
Scranton
1 job

Research Associate Job Market in Pennsylvania

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

Who's Hiring

  • Carnegie Mellon University13
  • University of Pennsylvania4
  • Artech3
  • UPMC2
  • IQVIA2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • Technology & Software

What Pennsylvania Employers Look For

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

  • Bachelor's degree in a life science, social science, or related field required
  • Experience with data collection, analysis, or laboratory protocols in a research setting
  • Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Python
  • Familiarity with IRB compliance and human subjects research protocols
  • Strong written communication skills for preparing research reports and manuscripts
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative team environment

Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a research associate in Pennsylvania?

Most research associate positions in Pennsylvania require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, public health, or social science, with many academic medical centers and pharmaceutical employers preferring a master's degree. Pennsylvania does not issue a state license specifically for research associates, but roles involving human subjects research require IRB training, and clinical research coordinators often pursue certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Gaining experience through university research labs, hospital-affiliated research programs, or internships at Pennsylvania institutions like Penn Medicine or Pitt is the most direct path.

Which companies hire research associates in Pennsylvania?

Employers hiring research associates in Pennsylvania right now include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Artech, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of major academic medical centers, large pharmaceutical firms, and policy research organizations makes it one of the more active states for this role across a range of specialties.

Which Pennsylvania cities have the most research associate jobs?

Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania account for the most research associate openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads because of its dense cluster of academic medical centers, pharmaceutical headquarters, and university research programs, while Pittsburgh draws significant volume from Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and UPMC's extensive research enterprise. Smaller markets like King of Prussia and Malvern round out the list due to the concentration of life sciences and pharmaceutical campuses along the Route 202 corridor.

Are there remote research associate jobs in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but they depend heavily on the specialty. About 35% of research associate openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with availability varying significantly by function. Roles centered on data analysis, literature review, survey research, and policy work are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements, while positions requiring laboratory work, specimen handling, or direct participant interaction are typically on-site.

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

The most realistic entry path is through a paid research assistant or junior research coordinator role at a Pennsylvania university or academic medical center, where new-graduate programs and lab-based positions regularly open to candidates with a bachelor's degree and coursework in research methods. Large employers like Penn Medicine, Temple University Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia run research internship and fellowship pipelines that transition into associate-level roles. Completing IRB human subjects training and building a record of co-authored work or thesis research gives applicants a concrete edge when competing for these openings.

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

You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across academic, clinical, pharmaceutical, and policy research settings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.

See All 47 Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania

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

Find Research Associate Jobs