Senior Researcher Jobs in Tennessee
Senior Researcher jobs in Tennessee are in strong and steady demand, with the most concentrated hiring in life sciences, health systems research, higher education, and defense and advanced manufacturing. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are the primary markets, and institutions like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and HCA Healthcare have a lasting presence and consistently recruit for senior research roles. The most sought-after specialties in the state include clinical research, biomedical and translational science, policy analysis, and research program management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The University of Tennessee's Office of Innovative Technologies is seeking a Senior Research Consultant to lead the design, execution, and analysis of research projects in support of faculty and graduate researchers across campus. This senior-level, highly independent role spans the full research lifecycle from developing research questions and experimental designs, determining appropriate statistical/machine learning methods and calculating sample sizes, to conducting data analysis, interpreting results, and co-authoring and, where appropriate, leading or serving as senior author on manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. The position also partners with investigators to lead the development of grant proposals, including research design and analysis plans, including power and sample size calculations. The position also solves complex computing problems by selecting and configuring appropriate software and hardware, writing and debugging code, mentoring colleagues through workshops and one-on-one consultations on advanced statistical and computing methods, and managing university research software licensing.
The ideal candidate holds a master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) and seven or more years of experience as a statistician, data scientist, or research analyst, with a record of peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will also possess strong programming and analytical skills across tools such as R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP along with deep knowledge of statistical methodology, data visualization, and the mathematical foundations underlying advanced analytic techniques. This role carries significant influence over departmental research strategy and direction, serves as backup for the manager when needed, requires occasional overnight travel, and operates with a high degree of autonomy, consulting with a supervisor primarily on priorities and complex or high-impact matters.
This position will be responsible for assisting researchers with experimental design, sampling and data collection methods, and sample size determination; managing and restructuring research data, including identifying and correcting data errors; and performing statistical analysis, machine learning, including creating data visualizations and graphics to communicate results according to journal standards. The role also involves writing and editing methods and results sections of manuscripts, grant proposals, and client documentation on statistical computing, including defending analytic approaches to journal reviewers; and helping clients select appropriate computer software and hardware to solve their research problems. The position leads the development of the methods and analysis components of grant proposals and may serve as lead statistician on funded research projects.
In addition, the position develops and teaches workshops and one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods, acts as a subject matter expert in statistics and computing topics for diverse clientele across campus, and manages university software site licenses, including installation, testing, and documentation. The position also takes an active role mentoring and critiquing the work of students and colleagues, providing guidance on complex statistical and computing problems, and contributes to departmental budgetary, research funding, and compliance discussions.
Required Qualifications
- A Master's degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field,
- Seven (7) years of experience applying statistics is required; Years in graduate school may substitute for experience, but only if extensive statistical consulting was conducted during that time.
- A track record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals is required.
- Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills required.
The ability to work independently and prioritize assignments with minimal supervision is required
Expertise in at least three of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is required
Deep knowledge of the statistical and machine learning methods appropriate for peer-reviewed publications is required.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
A Ph.D. and five (5) years of experience is preferred.
PStat® accreditation desired.
Expertise in all of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is desired.
- Proven experience in linear mixed models, categorical data analysis, generalized linear models, and related power analysis is desired.
- Experience applying Machine Learning, Bioinformatics inference, and/or Bayesian Statistics in an academic setting is desired.
- Ability to provide expert level guidance on best practices in statistics is desired.
- Proven experience mentoring graduate assistants and other staff members is desired.
- Experience developing and teaching workshops or one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods is desired.
- Experience managing software license agreements, including coordinating with procurement and serving as the point of contact with software vendors for quotes, invoices, and renewals, is desired.
- Ability to research, learn, and independently apply new software, hardware, and emerging analytic technologies is desired.
- Experience consulting with diverse clientele across multiple departments or disciplines is desired.
- Experience providing input to leadership on operational decisions, such as budget, software and service options, or compliance, is desired. A record of contributing to funded grant proposals is desired.
Work Location:
Location: This is a remote position
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: MR 13
Anticipated hiring range: $95,000 – $105,000
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
Resume
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae or comprehensive list of academic publications
About The Department
The Office of Innovative Technologies' Research Computing Support (RCS) team provides one-on-one consultations in statistical analysis, machine learning, qualitative analytics, and geographic information systems (GIS) to UT Knoxville faculty, staff, and student researchers. Services include experimental design and sample size determination, biostatistics support for clinical trials and observational studies, web survey design and analysis, and manuscript co-authorship, with RCS statisticians having co-authored over 350 manuscripts, helping write or edit methods and results sections and respond to reviewer comments. The team also provides access to and support for research software such as ArcGIS, MATLAB, NVivo, Python, Qualtrics, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and R.
The University of Tennessee's Office of Innovative Technologies is seeking a Senior Research Consultant to lead the design, execution, and analysis of research projects in support of faculty and graduate researchers across campus. This senior-level, highly independent role spans the full research lifecycle from developing research questions and experimental designs, determining appropriate statistical/machine learning methods and calculating sample sizes, to conducting data analysis, interpreting results, and co-authoring and, where appropriate, leading or serving as senior author on manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. The position also partners with investigators to lead the development of grant proposals, including research design and analysis plans, including power and sample size calculations. The position also solves complex computing problems by selecting and configuring appropriate software and hardware, writing and debugging code, mentoring colleagues through workshops and one-on-one consultations on advanced statistical and computing methods, and managing university research software licensing.
The ideal candidate holds a master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) and seven or more years of experience as a statistician, data scientist, or research analyst, with a record of peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will also possess strong programming and analytical skills across tools such as R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP along with deep knowledge of statistical methodology, data visualization, and the mathematical foundations underlying advanced analytic techniques. This role carries significant influence over departmental research strategy and direction, serves as backup for the manager when needed, requires occasional overnight travel, and operates with a high degree of autonomy, consulting with a supervisor primarily on priorities and complex or high-impact matters.
This position will be responsible for assisting researchers with experimental design, sampling and data collection methods, and sample size determination; managing and restructuring research data, including identifying and correcting data errors; and performing statistical analysis, machine learning, including creating data visualizations and graphics to communicate results according to journal standards. The role also involves writing and editing methods and results sections of manuscripts, grant proposals, and client documentation on statistical computing, including defending analytic approaches to journal reviewers; and helping clients select appropriate computer software and hardware to solve their research problems. The position leads the development of the methods and analysis components of grant proposals and may serve as lead statistician on funded research projects.
In addition, the position develops and teaches workshops and one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods, acts as a subject matter expert in statistics and computing topics for diverse clientele across campus, and manages university software site licenses, including installation, testing, and documentation. The position also takes an active role mentoring and critiquing the work of students and colleagues, providing guidance on complex statistical and computing problems, and contributes to departmental budgetary, research funding, and compliance discussions.
Required Qualifications
- A Master's degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field,
- Seven (7) years of experience applying statistics is required; Years in graduate school may substitute for experience, but only if extensive statistical consulting was conducted during that time.
- A track record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals is required.
- Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills required.
The ability to work independently and prioritize assignments with minimal supervision is required
Expertise in at least three of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is required
Deep knowledge of the statistical and machine learning methods appropriate for peer-reviewed publications is required.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
A Ph.D. and five (5) years of experience is preferred.
PStat® accreditation desired.
Expertise in all of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is desired.
- Proven experience in linear mixed models, categorical data analysis, generalized linear models, and related power analysis is desired.
- Experience applying Machine Learning, Bioinformatics inference, and/or Bayesian Statistics in an academic setting is desired.
- Ability to provide expert level guidance on best practices in statistics is desired.
- Proven experience mentoring graduate assistants and other staff members is desired.
- Experience developing and teaching workshops or one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods is desired.
- Experience managing software license agreements, including coordinating with procurement and serving as the point of contact with software vendors for quotes, invoices, and renewals, is desired.
- Ability to research, learn, and independently apply new software, hardware, and emerging analytic technologies is desired.
- Experience consulting with diverse clientele across multiple departments or disciplines is desired.
- Experience providing input to leadership on operational decisions, such as budget, software and service options, or compliance, is desired. A record of contributing to funded grant proposals is desired.
Work Location:
Location: This is a remote position
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: MR 13
Anticipated hiring range: $95,000 – $105,000
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
Resume
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae or comprehensive list of academic publications
About The Department
The Office of Innovative Technologies' Research Computing Support (RCS) team provides one-on-one consultations in statistical analysis, machine learning, qualitative analytics, and geographic information systems (GIS) to UT Knoxville faculty, staff, and student researchers. Services include experimental design and sample size determination, biostatistics support for clinical trials and observational studies, web survey design and analysis, and manuscript co-authorship, with RCS statisticians having co-authored over 350 manuscripts, helping write or edit methods and results sections and respond to reviewer comments. The team also provides access to and support for research software such as ArcGIS, MATLAB, NVivo, Python, Qualtrics, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and R.
See All 20 Senior Researcher Jobs in Tennessee
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Find Senior Researcher JobsSenior Researcher Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Researcher Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital10
- University of Tennessee3
- ICON1
- Jefferies1
- HCA Healthcare1
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior researcher jobs across Tennessee.
- Advanced degree in a relevant discipline such as biological sciences, public health, or social sciences
- Five or more years of research experience with demonstrated independent project leadership
- Strong record of published work or technical reports in the applicable research domain
- Proficiency with statistical software and research methodology appropriate to the field
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external funding agencies or sponsors
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing, reporting, and stakeholder presentations
Senior Researcher Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior researcher in Tennessee?
Most senior researcher roles in Tennessee require a master's or doctoral degree in the relevant field, such as public health, life sciences, social sciences, or engineering. Tennessee does not impose a state-issued license for most research positions, but roles in clinical research may require certification through a recognized body such as the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Employers in Nashville and Knoxville typically expect several years of progressive research experience and a portfolio of published or applied work before hiring at the senior level.
Which companies hire senior researchers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring senior researchers in Tennessee right now include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee, and ICON, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's concentration of major health systems, federal research laboratories, and research-intensive universities means senior researcher demand is spread across both the public and private sectors.
Which Tennessee cities have the most senior researcher jobs?
Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville lead Tennessee for senior researcher openings, reflecting the concentration of health system headquarters, federal laboratory operations, and research universities that anchor each of those markets.
Are there remote senior researcher jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, and more than many fields. About 50% of senior researcher openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, driven largely by the analytical and desk-based nature of many research roles. Literature review, data analysis, grant writing, and research program management are the sub-functions most commonly offered in fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a senior researcher in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a research coordinator or research associate role at one of Tennessee's large health systems or universities, which routinely bring on early-career candidates and offer structured mentorship. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Oak Ridge National Laboratory both run research training and post-doctoral programs that serve as a pipeline to senior roles. Earning a recognized research credential and building a record of contribution to published studies while in a junior position is the surest way to move up without an extensive independent track.
Where can I find and apply to senior researcher jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to senior researcher jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 20 Senior Researcher Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Researcher Jobs