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.
Find Senior Researcher JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Senior Researcher 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 15 Senior Researcher Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Retail
- Education
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
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, AMETEK, and Asurion, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Smyrna 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 0% of senior researcher openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 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 15 Senior Researcher Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Researcher Jobs