Research Specialist Jobs in Tennessee
Research Specialist jobs in Tennessee are in steady demand, with the strongest concentration in academic research, healthcare, and policy analysis, from entry-level research associate roles through senior principal investigator positions. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville lead hiring activity, anchored by institutions and organizations like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Clinical research, public health research, and social science research are the most active specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 9+ Research Specialist jobs
Market Range: 09
Hiring Salary: $3,946.70 - $5,322.69/Monthly
The Senior Research Specialist supports and advances the laboratory’s research program through the design and execution of complex experiments involving viral and bacterial pathogens, the development and refinement of research protocols, and the generation of high-quality data for analysis and publication. This position ensures the continuity and integrity of experimental work by maintaining laboratory resources, overseeing technical procedures, and contributing to the preparation of grants and manuscripts. By integrating technical expertise with organizational support, this position plays a critical role in driving forward the lab’s scientific objectives and ensuring compliance, rigor, and productivity across research activities.
- Designs and conducts in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro experiments involving viral and bacterial pathogens, including mouse infections, tissue harvests, drug preparation and administration, and processing and analysis of human and animal samples.
- Maintains cell cultures and microbial stocks; performs viral and bacterial titration.
- Collects, compiles, processes, and analyzes data; interprets results using appropriate statistical methods and formats data for internal reports and publications.
- Performs immune assays, such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISAs, histology, and immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction and cloning
- Maintains accurate, dated laboratory records and documents experimental protocols and findings.
- Oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, including animal maintenance, equipment coordination, and supply ordering and management.
- Trains new personnel in lab protocols and safety procedures; ensures compliance with biosafety and animal care regulations.
- Prepares figures, presents internal research updates, and contributes to peer-reviewed manuscripts.
- Assists with literature reviews, protocol development, and study design.
- Maintains laboratory documentation and SOPs; assists with onboarding and supervision of students and junior staff.
- Performs other related duties, as assigned.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of research experience; OR Master’s Degree and two (2) years of research experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Skill in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro experimental techniques necessary for conducting pathogen research.
- Skill in handling viral and bacterial pathogens, including performing infection models, mouse handling, tissue harvest, and drug administration.
- Ability to develop, adapt, and refine experimental protocols based on emerging research findings.
- Skill in performing immune assays such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISAs, histology, and immunohistochemistry.
- Knowledge of experimental design principles, including the implementation of proper controls, randomization, and ensuring reproducibility.
- Skill in molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, and microbial titration.
- Ability to maintain meticulous laboratory records, ensuring accuracy, organization, and compliance with scientific integrity standards.
- Skill in cell culture practices and maintenance of viral and bacterial stocks.
- Ability to communicate scientific results effectively through writing manuscripts, preparing figures, and contributing to grant proposals. Skill in managing, processing, and analyzing complex experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.
WORK SCHEDULE : This position may occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends.
Market Range: 09
Hiring Salary: $3,946.70 - $5,322.69/Monthly
The Senior Research Specialist supports and advances the laboratory’s research program through the design and execution of complex experiments involving viral and bacterial pathogens, the development and refinement of research protocols, and the generation of high-quality data for analysis and publication. This position ensures the continuity and integrity of experimental work by maintaining laboratory resources, overseeing technical procedures, and contributing to the preparation of grants and manuscripts. By integrating technical expertise with organizational support, this position plays a critical role in driving forward the lab’s scientific objectives and ensuring compliance, rigor, and productivity across research activities.
- Designs and conducts in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro experiments involving viral and bacterial pathogens, including mouse infections, tissue harvests, drug preparation and administration, and processing and analysis of human and animal samples.
- Maintains cell cultures and microbial stocks; performs viral and bacterial titration.
- Collects, compiles, processes, and analyzes data; interprets results using appropriate statistical methods and formats data for internal reports and publications.
- Performs immune assays, such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISAs, histology, and immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction and cloning
- Maintains accurate, dated laboratory records and documents experimental protocols and findings.
- Oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, including animal maintenance, equipment coordination, and supply ordering and management.
- Trains new personnel in lab protocols and safety procedures; ensures compliance with biosafety and animal care regulations.
- Prepares figures, presents internal research updates, and contributes to peer-reviewed manuscripts.
- Assists with literature reviews, protocol development, and study design.
- Maintains laboratory documentation and SOPs; assists with onboarding and supervision of students and junior staff.
- Performs other related duties, as assigned.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of research experience; OR Master’s Degree and two (2) years of research experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Skill in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro experimental techniques necessary for conducting pathogen research.
- Skill in handling viral and bacterial pathogens, including performing infection models, mouse handling, tissue harvest, and drug administration.
- Ability to develop, adapt, and refine experimental protocols based on emerging research findings.
- Skill in performing immune assays such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISAs, histology, and immunohistochemistry.
- Knowledge of experimental design principles, including the implementation of proper controls, randomization, and ensuring reproducibility.
- Skill in molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, and microbial titration.
- Ability to maintain meticulous laboratory records, ensuring accuracy, organization, and compliance with scientific integrity standards.
- Skill in cell culture practices and maintenance of viral and bacterial stocks.
- Ability to communicate scientific results effectively through writing manuscripts, preparing figures, and contributing to grant proposals. Skill in managing, processing, and analyzing complex experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.
WORK SCHEDULE : This position may occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends.
See All 9 Research Specialist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant scientific, social science, or health field
- Experience designing and conducting qualitative or quantitative research studies
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, grants, and publications
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and research ethics compliance requirements
- Ability to manage multiple research projects and meet data collection deadlines
Research Specialist Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Tennessee?
Most research specialist roles in Tennessee require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, public health, psychology, or social science, with many academic and medical employers preferring a master's degree or higher. Tennessee does not require a state-issued license specifically for research specialists, but those working in clinical research often pursue certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, which is widely recognized by Tennessee healthcare and academic employers.
Which companies hire research specialists in Tennessee?
Employers hiring research specialists in Tennessee right now include University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt Health, and Vanderbilt University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's concentration of academic medical centers, federal research facilities, and health-focused nonprofits makes it one of the more consistent states for research specialist openings year-round.
Which Tennessee cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville have the most research specialist openings in Tennessee. Nashville drives the largest share of listings through its healthcare industry and university presence, while Memphis benefits from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and Knoxville's openings are closely tied to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee's research programs.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, and they are more common than in many fields. About 0% of research specialist openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the desk-based and analytical nature of much of the work. Roles focused on data analysis, literature reviews, policy research, and survey design are most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements, while positions requiring laboratory work or direct participant interaction are typically on-site.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a research assistant or coordinator role at a Tennessee university or academic medical center, where new graduates are regularly hired to support ongoing studies. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Tennessee system frequently post entry-level research coordinator positions that do not require prior independent research experience. Completing a senior thesis, capstone project, or internship in a research setting, and obtaining IRB training certification, gives candidates a clear edge when competing for these roles.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and smaller Tennessee markets. Search the listings for roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 9 Research Specialist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs