Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee
Research associate jobs in Tennessee are in strong demand, concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical and biotech development, healthcare systems, and agricultural sciences, with openings at every level from entry-level lab assistant to senior research associate. The largest hiring metros are Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where institutions and companies like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory maintain a consistent presence. The most in-demand specialties include clinical research, life sciences, and materials science. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 74+ Research Associate jobs
Market Range: 11
Hiring Salary: $4,600.33 - $5,250.00/Monthly
THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION FUNDED UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029.
JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, this position contributes to the small molecule drug development efforts and is focused on supporting pre-clinical drug development in animal models with specific focus on pharmacokinetic assessments, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling and simulation, application of pharmacometrics techniques and bioanalytical analysis using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Assists with mentoring graduate assistants, junior fellows, and research assistants in proper laboratory procedure and techniques.
- Works independently and collaboratively with research lab members to oversee and perform research work and provide scientific expertise/input on experimental planning for assigned projects.
- Plans, executes, documents, and analyzes in vitro and in vivo studies in pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
- Performs pharmacokinetic analyses and modeling using PK software, including Phoenix WinNonlin, NONMEM, and R.
- Develops and validates LC-MS/MS assays and analyzes biological samples.
- Assists in managing day-to-day lab activities for the assigned lab space.
- Performs basic material and lab equipment management functions, including ordering and stocking supplies.
- Assists in mentoring and training graduate students and junior postdocs in pharmacokinetic and bioanalytical techniques.
- Assists in gaining approval and adhering to compliance requirements for all performed experimentation.
- Presents research data at scientific meetings and conferences.
- Creates and updates thorough documentation of research activities and results, as well as lab-related safety policies; updates them as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: Ph.D. in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field of study. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of experience in pharmacokinetic research and LC-MS based analysis of small molecule drugs and metabolites in biological fluids, preferably related to anti-infective drug development with at least three (3) years as a Postdoctoral Scholar. Experience in maintaining and organizing lab space. (Minimum of five years of experience in animal-based pharmacology research preferred).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to work independently in planning, development, standardization, validation, and documentation of LC-MS/MS based assays including sample preparation for quantitation of drugs in biological samples.
- Demonstrated knowledge in handling and utilizing pharmacokinetic animal models.
- Knowledge and proficiency in population pharmacokinetic analyses techniques.
- Ability to communicate efficiently with colleagues from other disciplines and work as a highly motivated self-starter that is creative, result- and milestone-oriented.
- Ability to display high competency and experience in pharmacokinetic data analysis.
- Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in English are required.
- Knowledge and proficiency in clinical pharmacology and clinical research would be an advantage.
Market Range: 11
Hiring Salary: $4,600.33 - $5,250.00/Monthly
THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION FUNDED UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029.
JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, this position contributes to the small molecule drug development efforts and is focused on supporting pre-clinical drug development in animal models with specific focus on pharmacokinetic assessments, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling and simulation, application of pharmacometrics techniques and bioanalytical analysis using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Assists with mentoring graduate assistants, junior fellows, and research assistants in proper laboratory procedure and techniques.
- Works independently and collaboratively with research lab members to oversee and perform research work and provide scientific expertise/input on experimental planning for assigned projects.
- Plans, executes, documents, and analyzes in vitro and in vivo studies in pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
- Performs pharmacokinetic analyses and modeling using PK software, including Phoenix WinNonlin, NONMEM, and R.
- Develops and validates LC-MS/MS assays and analyzes biological samples.
- Assists in managing day-to-day lab activities for the assigned lab space.
- Performs basic material and lab equipment management functions, including ordering and stocking supplies.
- Assists in mentoring and training graduate students and junior postdocs in pharmacokinetic and bioanalytical techniques.
- Assists in gaining approval and adhering to compliance requirements for all performed experimentation.
- Presents research data at scientific meetings and conferences.
- Creates and updates thorough documentation of research activities and results, as well as lab-related safety policies; updates them as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: Ph.D. in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field of study. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of experience in pharmacokinetic research and LC-MS based analysis of small molecule drugs and metabolites in biological fluids, preferably related to anti-infective drug development with at least three (3) years as a Postdoctoral Scholar. Experience in maintaining and organizing lab space. (Minimum of five years of experience in animal-based pharmacology research preferred).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to work independently in planning, development, standardization, validation, and documentation of LC-MS/MS based assays including sample preparation for quantitation of drugs in biological samples.
- Demonstrated knowledge in handling and utilizing pharmacokinetic animal models.
- Knowledge and proficiency in population pharmacokinetic analyses techniques.
- Ability to communicate efficiently with colleagues from other disciplines and work as a highly motivated self-starter that is creative, result- and milestone-oriented.
- Ability to display high competency and experience in pharmacokinetic data analysis.
- Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in English are required.
- Knowledge and proficiency in clinical pharmacology and clinical research would be an advantage.
See All 74 Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital32
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center17
- University of Tennessee16
- IQVIA1
- AbbVie1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in a life science, social science, or related field required
- Experience with data collection, analysis, and laboratory or field research protocols
- Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Python
- Ability to prepare research reports, manuscripts, and regulatory compliance documentation
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and Good Clinical Practice guidelines preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to research teams
Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in Tennessee?
Most research associate positions in Tennessee require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, psychology, or public health, with many employers preferring candidates who have hands-on lab or fieldwork experience. Tennessee does not issue a state license specifically for research associates, but clinical research professionals often pursue certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Positions at federally funded institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory may also require background clearance.
Which companies hire research associates in Tennessee?
Employers hiring research associates in Tennessee right now include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and University of Tennessee, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's concentration of academic medical centers, federal research facilities, and a growing pharmaceutical corridor in the Nashville area makes it one of the more active states for research associate hiring in the Southeast.
Which Tennessee cities have the most research associate jobs?
Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville have the most research associate openings in Tennessee. Nashville dominates due to its large healthcare and higher-education sector, Memphis draws heavily from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and Knoxville benefits from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and University of Tennessee research programs anchoring consistent demand.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research associate roles involve lab work, patient interaction, or on-site data collection. About 27% of research associate openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote options most common in literature review, data analysis, survey research, and social science roles that do not require physical lab access.
How can I get hired as a research associate in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly for research assistant or junior research associate roles at Tennessee's major academic and medical institutions, which regularly hire new graduates. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the University of Tennessee system all run structured research programs that consider applicants with limited formal experience. Completing a relevant internship, gaining familiarity with IRB procedures, or earning a clinical research certification strengthens a Tennessee application considerably.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across industries including healthcare, life sciences, academia, and government research. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employer through each listing.
See All 74 Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate Jobs