Research Scientist Jobs in Tennessee
Research Scientist jobs in Tennessee are in strong and consistent demand, with the deepest concentration in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, agricultural and food science, materials science, and environmental science across entry-level through senior investigator roles. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are the state's primary hiring centers, anchored by institutions and employers such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Pfizer's manufacturing and research operations in the state. The most sought-after specializations in Tennessee include oncology and drug discovery, advanced materials for defense and energy applications, and molecular biology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 9+ Research Scientist jobs
Job Description
The Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences housed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Scientist position. The candidate will work with faculty members, project coordinators, clinical research associates, and other researchers on grant and institutionally funded research projects, to improve biobehavioral health outcomes for survivors of pediatric catastrophic diseases. Under the supervision of the lead faculty member, the candidate will be engaged in a variety of research activities related to conducting literature reviews, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, engaging in clinical interventions research, and grant development.
The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years post-doctoral experience in academic-medical research environments, experience with neuropsychology, aging, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease), mental health conditions (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), temporal interference stimulation (TIS), and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition, analyses, and interpretation. Significant experience with signal processing of motor evoked potentials, software programming for cognitive tasks used in MRI research, and neuroscience is strongly preferred. The ideal applicant will also have demonstrated knowledge (e.g., peer reviewed publications; conference presentations) of neuroimaging and blood-based biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases as well as evidence assisting with earning grants from institutional and foundation-based sources. Knowledge of complex, multimodal neuroimaging analyses, such as voxel-level mediation analyses, is strongly preferred.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead clinical research design and implementation activities (e.g., experimental design review; identification of appropriate research procedures/methodologies QC procedures finalization; design and testing of data collection instruments; project-specific protocol compliance oversight).
Assist with the management of large, multidisciplinary research operations and the instruction of research staff.
Oversee execution of multiple concurrent projects/studies.
Oversee/coordinate engagement with study participants and related outcomes (e.g., interviewer scripts, informed consent, data entry, procurement of medical record/specimens).
Coordinate communication with principal investigators across multiple sites to anticipate, clarify, and address needs for efficient conduct of research.
Present/publish results, insights, and outcomes both internally and externally to multi-disciplinary audiences.
Provide ongoing instruction and guidance to staff and train as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
initiates and conducts research without direct supervision. Demonstrates advanced skills in performing research. Provides input on and evaluates protocol design including quality control procedures. Develops and provides oversight of protocols for project-specific research. Follows and upholds appropriate human subjects’ protections, event reporting, data safety and monitoring requirements, and safety regulations. Works efficiently to manage concurrent projects.
Develops and/or implements research procedures. Proposes/initiates experiments and/or methodological approaches to achieve research goals. Coordinates the design and testing of data collection instruments. Duplicates experiments and/or procedures from the research literature. Oversees data quality control (QC) procedures. Utilizes institutional resources appropriately.
Presents and publishes research results. Keeps comprehensive, accurate, organized and legible records of research procedures and results. Performs data analysis and reduction. Writes research reports and scientific publications.
Assists with the management of large, multidisciplinary research operations and the instruction of research staff. Coordinates communication with principal investigator within and across multiple sites. Anticipates needs for the efficient conduct of research. Provides instruction and guidance for staff. Coordinates the scheduling of staff and ensures coverage.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
MD or PhD in relevant scientific field required.
Minimum Experience:
Minimum Requirement: 2+ prior relevant and productive research experience in clinical/population-based outcomes and health behavior research.
Experience in study design methodology, protocol development, study conduct, and analysis.
Experience working in a project-oriented matrixed team environment preferred.
Proven performance in earlier role.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
None
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
None
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Clinical Research Scientist - Psychology & Biobehavioral Sciences.Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
Job Description
The Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences housed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Scientist position. The candidate will work with faculty members, project coordinators, clinical research associates, and other researchers on grant and institutionally funded research projects, to improve biobehavioral health outcomes for survivors of pediatric catastrophic diseases. Under the supervision of the lead faculty member, the candidate will be engaged in a variety of research activities related to conducting literature reviews, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, engaging in clinical interventions research, and grant development.
The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years post-doctoral experience in academic-medical research environments, experience with neuropsychology, aging, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease), mental health conditions (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), temporal interference stimulation (TIS), and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition, analyses, and interpretation. Significant experience with signal processing of motor evoked potentials, software programming for cognitive tasks used in MRI research, and neuroscience is strongly preferred. The ideal applicant will also have demonstrated knowledge (e.g., peer reviewed publications; conference presentations) of neuroimaging and blood-based biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases as well as evidence assisting with earning grants from institutional and foundation-based sources. Knowledge of complex, multimodal neuroimaging analyses, such as voxel-level mediation analyses, is strongly preferred.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead clinical research design and implementation activities (e.g., experimental design review; identification of appropriate research procedures/methodologies QC procedures finalization; design and testing of data collection instruments; project-specific protocol compliance oversight).
Assist with the management of large, multidisciplinary research operations and the instruction of research staff.
Oversee execution of multiple concurrent projects/studies.
Oversee/coordinate engagement with study participants and related outcomes (e.g., interviewer scripts, informed consent, data entry, procurement of medical record/specimens).
Coordinate communication with principal investigators across multiple sites to anticipate, clarify, and address needs for efficient conduct of research.
Present/publish results, insights, and outcomes both internally and externally to multi-disciplinary audiences.
Provide ongoing instruction and guidance to staff and train as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
initiates and conducts research without direct supervision. Demonstrates advanced skills in performing research. Provides input on and evaluates protocol design including quality control procedures. Develops and provides oversight of protocols for project-specific research. Follows and upholds appropriate human subjects’ protections, event reporting, data safety and monitoring requirements, and safety regulations. Works efficiently to manage concurrent projects.
Develops and/or implements research procedures. Proposes/initiates experiments and/or methodological approaches to achieve research goals. Coordinates the design and testing of data collection instruments. Duplicates experiments and/or procedures from the research literature. Oversees data quality control (QC) procedures. Utilizes institutional resources appropriately.
Presents and publishes research results. Keeps comprehensive, accurate, organized and legible records of research procedures and results. Performs data analysis and reduction. Writes research reports and scientific publications.
Assists with the management of large, multidisciplinary research operations and the instruction of research staff. Coordinates communication with principal investigator within and across multiple sites. Anticipates needs for the efficient conduct of research. Provides instruction and guidance for staff. Coordinates the scheduling of staff and ensures coverage.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
MD or PhD in relevant scientific field required.
Minimum Experience:
Minimum Requirement: 2+ prior relevant and productive research experience in clinical/population-based outcomes and health behavior research.
Experience in study design methodology, protocol development, study conduct, and analysis.
Experience working in a project-oriented matrixed team environment preferred.
Proven performance in earlier role.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
None
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
None
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Clinical Research Scientist - Psychology & Biobehavioral Sciences.Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
See All 9 Research Scientist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Tennessee.
- PhD or master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, or materials science
- Experience designing and executing independent research projects with peer-reviewed publication record
- Proficiency with laboratory techniques specific to the discipline, such as CRISPR, mass spectrometry, or computational modeling
- Ability to write and contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, and scientific manuscripts
- Familiarity with federal research compliance standards including IRB, IACUC, or biosafety protocols
- Strong data analysis skills using tools such as R, Python, SAS, or domain-specific bioinformatics platforms
Research Scientist Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Tennessee?
Most research scientist roles in Tennessee require at minimum a master's degree, and the majority of independent positions require a PhD in a relevant field such as biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. Tennessee does not issue a general state license for research scientists, but roles in clinical research may require Good Clinical Practice certification, and laboratory directors at regulated facilities must meet CLIA standards enforced through the Tennessee Department of Health. Postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like Vanderbilt, the University of Tennessee, or Oak Ridge National Laboratory are the most common entry point to independent research careers in the state.
Which companies hire research scientists in Tennessee?
Employers hiring research scientists in Tennessee right now include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, AMETEK, and Revance Therapeutics, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's blend of federal research infrastructure, major academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical manufacturing creates a wider-than-average range of employer types for research scientists in the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most research scientist jobs?
The cities with the most research scientist openings in Tennessee are Memphis, Nashville, and Oak Ridge. Nashville leads because of its dense concentration of academic medical centers and pharmaceutical companies, Knoxville benefits from its proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee's research programs, and Memphis draws openings through its agricultural research institutions and healthcare systems anchored by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Most research scientist work requires hands-on laboratory access, specialized instrumentation, or on-site collaboration, which limits remote options significantly. About 0% of research scientist openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and these tend to be concentrated in computational biology, bioinformatics, data science-adjacent research, and grant writing or literature-review roles that do not require bench work.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral appointment or a research associate role at one of Tennessee's major research institutions. Oak Ridge National Laboratory runs a postdoctoral research program that accepts candidates with recently completed PhDs across physical, biological, and computational sciences. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital offer structured postdoctoral fellowships in biomedical fields. For candidates still completing graduate degrees, research technician and laboratory analyst positions at contract research organizations or pharmaceutical sites in the Nashville and Memphis areas provide direct industry exposure that shortens the path to a full scientist title.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state's research hubs including Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly through the listings on this page.
See All 9 Research Scientist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist Jobs