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 JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 57+ Research Associate jobs
INTRODUCTION
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The Software and Societal Systems Department (S3D), in the School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carnegie Mellon University has two part-time research associate openings to work on an interdisciplinary project focused on modeling and mitigating risks introduced by agentic AI in the enterprise. This opening can be a particularly good match for a motivated person with training in Responsible AI, AI Governance, Cybersecurity and Privacy, including experience with Agentic AI technologies.
Agentic AI systems—capable of autonomous task execution, decision-making, and multi-step planning—are rapidly being integrated into workplace environments. These systems can schedule meetings, interact with email and web services, generate reports, access internal systems, and coordinate across third-party tools, effectively acting as semi-autonomous digital employees. While these capabilities offer significant productivity gains, they also introduce fundamentally new categories of risk that extend beyond traditional model-level concerns. In particular, agentic AI expands the risk surface from isolated model behavior to complex, system-level interactions involving tools, data, users, and external services.
This project focuses on two central research questions:
- How does agentic AI—particularly autonomy, tool use, and multi-step planning—reshape traditional cybersecurity and privacy threat models in enterprise environments?
- What technical and governance mechanisms (e.g., permissioning, monitoring, sandboxing, policy enforcement) are most effective in mitigating these risks while ensuring meaningful human oversight and control?
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Will combine the development of threat and failure taxonomies for agentic AI in the enterprise
- Development and simulation of synthetic workflows
- Failure mode analysis
- Development and evaluation of mitigation strategies
- Identification/development of relevant metrics. The objective is to develop a framework that can provide actionable guidance to enterprises.
- Capable of working under limited supervision
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science required. Master’s degree in computer science preferred.
- 1-3 years of research experience required.
- Strong background in Privacy and Security
- Strong organization and communication skills necessary.
- Experience with Responsible AI, including Agentic Technology.
- Experience in HCI and/or threat modeling would be a plus.
- Experience collaborating with others in the context of research projects.
- A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
BENEFITS
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
LOCATION
Pittsburgh, PA
JOB FUNCTION
Researchers
POSITION TYPE
Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
FULL TIME/PART TIME
Full time
PAY BASIS
Hourly
INTRODUCTION
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The Software and Societal Systems Department (S3D), in the School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carnegie Mellon University has two part-time research associate openings to work on an interdisciplinary project focused on modeling and mitigating risks introduced by agentic AI in the enterprise. This opening can be a particularly good match for a motivated person with training in Responsible AI, AI Governance, Cybersecurity and Privacy, including experience with Agentic AI technologies.
Agentic AI systems—capable of autonomous task execution, decision-making, and multi-step planning—are rapidly being integrated into workplace environments. These systems can schedule meetings, interact with email and web services, generate reports, access internal systems, and coordinate across third-party tools, effectively acting as semi-autonomous digital employees. While these capabilities offer significant productivity gains, they also introduce fundamentally new categories of risk that extend beyond traditional model-level concerns. In particular, agentic AI expands the risk surface from isolated model behavior to complex, system-level interactions involving tools, data, users, and external services.
This project focuses on two central research questions:
- How does agentic AI—particularly autonomy, tool use, and multi-step planning—reshape traditional cybersecurity and privacy threat models in enterprise environments?
- What technical and governance mechanisms (e.g., permissioning, monitoring, sandboxing, policy enforcement) are most effective in mitigating these risks while ensuring meaningful human oversight and control?
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Will combine the development of threat and failure taxonomies for agentic AI in the enterprise
- Development and simulation of synthetic workflows
- Failure mode analysis
- Development and evaluation of mitigation strategies
- Identification/development of relevant metrics. The objective is to develop a framework that can provide actionable guidance to enterprises.
- Capable of working under limited supervision
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science required. Master’s degree in computer science preferred.
- 1-3 years of research experience required.
- Strong background in Privacy and Security
- Strong organization and communication skills necessary.
- Experience with Responsible AI, including Agentic Technology.
- Experience in HCI and/or threat modeling would be a plus.
- Experience collaborating with others in the context of research projects.
- A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
BENEFITS
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
LOCATION
Pittsburgh, PA
JOB FUNCTION
Researchers
POSITION TYPE
Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
FULL TIME/PART TIME
Full time
PAY BASIS
Hourly
See All 57 Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Carnegie Mellon University21
- University of Pennsylvania5
- Artech3
- Allegheny Health Network3
- ICON2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education15
- Healthcare & Medical Services6
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Technology & Software1
- Banking & Financial Services1
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 August 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 Kutztown 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 33% of research associate openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 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 57 Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate Jobs