Research Scientist Jobs in Texas
Research Scientist jobs in Texas are among the most active in the country, with strong demand from entry-level associates through principal and senior scientists concentrated in life sciences, energy technology, semiconductors, and defense research. Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin account for the largest share of openings, anchored by employers like ExxonMobil, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Texas Instruments, which maintain substantial research operations in the state. Computational biology, materials science, and petroleum geoscience are among the most in-demand specialties across Texas right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 61+ Research Scientist jobs
INTRODUCTION
The department of Innovation and Implementation Research is recruiting a Research Scientist to serve as Scientific Director to advance innovation, implementation science, digital health and AI-enabled research.
At Houston Methodist, the Research Scientist is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) through leadership in innovation, implementation science, digital health, and AI-enabled research. This role provides strategic scientific oversight for innovation and implementation research programs, including complex, multidisciplinary projects that leverage data science, analytics, clinical workflows, and health system transformation methodologies.
The Research Scientist serves as Scientific Director of the department and institutional representative, acting as a gatekeeper for research relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
This position operates to ensure that the scientific, operational, and budgetary needs of the department’s research portfolio are met. The Research Scientist supports management and research staff by monitoring scientific rigor and performance, standardizing research and analytic practices, optimizing financial and data resources, maintaining productivity, and resolving scientific, technical, and operational challenges across projects.
KEY AREAS:
- Digital Health and AI-focused research programs
- Care redesign related research initiatives
- Implementation science and learning health systems
- Health informatics and Data Analytics
Responsibilities:
- Lead innovation, implementation, digital health, and AI-focused research programs aligned with institutional priorities
- Provide scientific leadership in study design, research methods, data science, analytics, and program evaluation
- Lead scientific writing efforts, including manuscripts, abstracts, white papers, and institutional reports
- Co-lead the design and execution of clinical trials, pragmatic studies, and health system research initiatives
- Co-lead grant development activities, including study conceptualization, methodological design, and scientific proposal development
- Mentor postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, graduate students, and other trainees to support academic growth and research independence
- Collaborate with clinical, operational, and research stakeholders to advance system-wide innovation and research goals
- Ensure responsible stewardship of research resources, data assets, and external collaborations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD (or equivalent terminal degree) in natural science, public health, health services research, epidemiology, informatics, psychology, human factors engineering, social science, behavioral science, or related field
- Strong methodological and analytic expertise
- Demonstrated potential for publications and funding
- Experience with healthcare/EHR data preferred
Scope Clarification
This role does not involve traditional wet-laboratory oversight or bench-based scientific research. Instead, it focuses on non-lab-based, translational, and applied research, emphasizing implementation science, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, analytics, and real-world clinical impact.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
Education
Doctorate degree in related field
Experience
Experience in related field of study
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.
- Performs procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.
- Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
- Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.
- Participates in writing manuscripts and publications.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the principle investigator.
- Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
- Analyzes data and interprets data.
- Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Participates in grant writing the specific grant(s).
- Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reviews scientific literature.
Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform: No
- Scrubs: No
- Business professional: Yes
- Other (department approved): Yes
ON-CALL
- Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
- On Call: No
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
INTRODUCTION
The department of Innovation and Implementation Research is recruiting a Research Scientist to serve as Scientific Director to advance innovation, implementation science, digital health and AI-enabled research.
At Houston Methodist, the Research Scientist is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) through leadership in innovation, implementation science, digital health, and AI-enabled research. This role provides strategic scientific oversight for innovation and implementation research programs, including complex, multidisciplinary projects that leverage data science, analytics, clinical workflows, and health system transformation methodologies.
The Research Scientist serves as Scientific Director of the department and institutional representative, acting as a gatekeeper for research relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
This position operates to ensure that the scientific, operational, and budgetary needs of the department’s research portfolio are met. The Research Scientist supports management and research staff by monitoring scientific rigor and performance, standardizing research and analytic practices, optimizing financial and data resources, maintaining productivity, and resolving scientific, technical, and operational challenges across projects.
KEY AREAS:
- Digital Health and AI-focused research programs
- Care redesign related research initiatives
- Implementation science and learning health systems
- Health informatics and Data Analytics
Responsibilities:
- Lead innovation, implementation, digital health, and AI-focused research programs aligned with institutional priorities
- Provide scientific leadership in study design, research methods, data science, analytics, and program evaluation
- Lead scientific writing efforts, including manuscripts, abstracts, white papers, and institutional reports
- Co-lead the design and execution of clinical trials, pragmatic studies, and health system research initiatives
- Co-lead grant development activities, including study conceptualization, methodological design, and scientific proposal development
- Mentor postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, graduate students, and other trainees to support academic growth and research independence
- Collaborate with clinical, operational, and research stakeholders to advance system-wide innovation and research goals
- Ensure responsible stewardship of research resources, data assets, and external collaborations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD (or equivalent terminal degree) in natural science, public health, health services research, epidemiology, informatics, psychology, human factors engineering, social science, behavioral science, or related field
- Strong methodological and analytic expertise
- Demonstrated potential for publications and funding
- Experience with healthcare/EHR data preferred
Scope Clarification
This role does not involve traditional wet-laboratory oversight or bench-based scientific research. Instead, it focuses on non-lab-based, translational, and applied research, emphasizing implementation science, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, analytics, and real-world clinical impact.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
Education
Doctorate degree in related field
Experience
Experience in related field of study
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.
- Performs procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.
- Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
- Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.
- Participates in writing manuscripts and publications.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the principle investigator.
- Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
- Analyzes data and interprets data.
- Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Participates in grant writing the specific grant(s).
- Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reviews scientific literature.
Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform: No
- Scrubs: No
- Business professional: Yes
- Other (department approved): Yes
ON-CALL
- Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
- On Call: No
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See All 61 Research Scientist Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education11
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Science & Research1
- Technology & Software1
- Distribution & Wholesale1
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Texas.
- PhD or master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as chemistry, biology, or engineering
- Demonstrated research experience through publications, dissertations, or industry lab work
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical software relevant to the specialty area
- Ability to design, execute, and document experiments or computational models independently
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams in academic or industry settings
Research Scientist Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Texas?
Most research scientist roles in Texas require at minimum a master's degree, with a PhD expected for independent or principal-level positions. Texas does not issue a state license specifically for research scientists, so hiring is driven by academic credentials, peer-reviewed publications, and specialized technical skills. Candidates pursuing biomedical or clinical research roles often work within institutions that hold federal research compliance certifications, and laboratory safety training recognized by Texas research employers strengthens any application.
Which companies hire research scientists in Texas?
Employers hiring research scientists in Texas right now include UT Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, and UTHealth Houston, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Texas's concentration of energy majors, semiconductor manufacturers, and world-class medical research institutions means openings appear regularly across a broad range of scientific disciplines.
Which Texas cities have the most research scientist jobs?
Austin, Houston, and Dallas have the most research scientist openings in Texas. Houston leads because of its density of petrochemical, energy, and medical research employers, including the Texas Medical Center, while Dallas-Fort Worth draws openings from semiconductor, defense, and corporate R&D operations, and Austin's growing technology and biotech sector has made it an increasingly significant hiring hub for computational and materials scientists.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Texas?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because many research scientist roles require hands-on laboratory or field work. About 18% of research scientist openings tied to Texas are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so a meaningful subset does exist. Computational research, bioinformatics, data science-adjacent roles, and scientific writing or research coordination positions are the areas where fully remote arrangements appear most frequently.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral fellowship or a research associate role at one of Texas's major research institutions, such as the University of Texas system, Baylor College of Medicine, or Rice University, which regularly bring on early-career scientists. Industry employers like ExxonMobil and Texas Instruments also hire research associates and junior scientists from those pipelines. Building a record of published or presented work and pursuing certifications in laboratory safety or specific analytical techniques gives candidates a meaningful edge over others at the same career stage.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Texas employers across industries and specialties. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 61 Research Scientist Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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