Research Specialist Jobs in North Carolina
Research Specialist jobs in North Carolina are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical and biotech sciences, healthcare systems, and public policy analysis from entry-level coordinators through senior research scientists. The heaviest hiring is in the Research Triangle area, Charlotte, and Greensboro, where institutions and employers like RTI International, Duke University Health System, and GlaxoSmithKline have long maintained research operations. The most in-demand specialties right now are clinical research coordination, behavioral and social science research, and data-intensive policy research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
- Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment + 1 year of directly related experience; or equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
- Computer hardware and graphic skills are required.
- All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
Applicant Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
See All 16 Research Specialist Jobs in North Carolina
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Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, or life sciences
- Experience designing and executing quantitative or qualitative research studies
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or R
- Strong scientific writing skills for reports, grants, or peer-reviewed publications
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Ability to manage multiple research projects and meet sponsor or institutional deadlines
Research Specialist Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in North Carolina?
Most research specialist roles in North Carolina require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field aligned to the employer's research focus, such as public health, social sciences, biology, or psychology. There is no single state license required to work as a research specialist, but roles involving human subjects research typically require Good Clinical Practice certification and familiarity with IRB submission processes used by institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, or NC State. A graduate degree strengthens competitiveness for senior positions.
Which companies hire research specialists in North Carolina?
Employers hiring research specialists in North Carolina right now include North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. North Carolina's Research Triangle concentration of universities, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies makes it one of the more active states for research specialist hiring in the Southeast.
Which North Carolina cities have the most research specialist jobs?
The cities with the most research specialist openings in North Carolina are Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, and Raleigh. The Research Triangle, anchored by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, drives the largest share of demand thanks to the density of research universities, federal agencies, and biotech and pharmaceutical firms clustered in and around Research Triangle Park, while Charlotte's growth in healthcare and financial services research accounts for much of the activity outside the Triangle.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles, since a significant portion of research specialist work involving data analysis, literature review, grant writing, and reporting can be done remotely. About 80% of research specialist openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of much of the work. Roles tied to laboratory work, on-site data collection, or participant-facing clinical studies remain predominantly in person.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research assistant or research coordinator position at one of North Carolina's major research universities or hospital systems, such as UNC Health, Duke Health, or NC State University, which regularly post entry-level roles that do not require prior professional research experience. A completed undergraduate thesis, a certificate in clinical research coordination, or familiarity with IRB processes gives candidates a concrete edge. Adjacent roles like data analyst, program associate, or survey administrator are common lateral entry points at research nonprofits and state agencies.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, location, and research focus, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 16 Research Specialist Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs