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How to hire a medical researcher

Medical researcher hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring medical researchers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a medical researcher is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new medical researcher to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a medical researcher, step by step

To hire a medical researcher, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a medical researcher, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step medical researcher hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a medical researcher job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new medical researcher
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The medical researcher hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A medical researcher's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, medical researchers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of medical researchers.

    Type of Medical ResearcherDescriptionHourly rate
    Medical ResearcherMedical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.$16-50
    FellowA fellow's responsibility will depend on the organization or industry where one belongs. However, most of the time, a fellow's duty will revolve around conducting research and analysis, presiding discussions and attending dialogues, handle lectures while complying with the guidelines or tasks set by supervisors, and assist in various projects and activities... Show more$22-44
    Staff ScientistThe primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.$30-65
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Patients
    • Statistical Analysis
    • Vital Signs
    • Laboratory Practices
    • Clinical Research Studies
    • Research Projects
    • Medical Research
    • RNA
    • Clinical Trials
    • Stem Cells
    • DNA
    • Chemistry
    • Medical Data
    • Medical Devices
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Create Linux shell scripts to automate common process which severely reduce manual work load and processing time for the entire lab.
    • Experience in quantifying RNA and protein (BCA method) as well as synthesizing complementary DNA from RNA.
    • Extract RNA and protein using TRIzol reagent.
    • Compose PowerPoint presentation providing in-depth explanation for lack of preliminary results, as well as proposed process resolution.
    • Adhere to strict turn-a-round deadlines and maintain confidential information by following proper ISO procedures.
    More medical researcher duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your medical researcher job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A medical researcher salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a medical researcher in Texas may be lower than in New Jersey, and an entry-level medical researcher usually earns less than a senior-level medical researcher. Additionally, a medical researcher with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average medical researcher salary

    $61,177yearly

    $29.41 hourly rate

    Entry-level medical researcher salary
    $35,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 23, 2026

    Average medical researcher salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$105,668$51
    2New Jersey$99,207$48
    3New York$80,972$39
    4Nevada$72,722$35
    5Minnesota$67,332$32
    6Tennessee$64,609$31
    7Ohio$62,854$30
    8Wisconsin$62,064$30
    9Hawaii$58,842$28
    10Florida$56,471$27
    11Illinois$53,646$26
    12New Mexico$52,329$25
    13Texas$46,810$23
    14Mississippi$45,281$22

    Average medical researcher salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Rose Medical Center$86,432$41.55
    2Baptist Health Home Care$84,851$40.791
    3UCSF Health$84,285$40.52
    4Cleveland Clinic$83,538$40.16
    5Mount Sinai Health System$78,117$37.5625
    6UT Health East Texas$74,306$35.72
    7Morgridge Institute for Research$74,203$35.67
    8Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates$69,253$33.29
    9Stemcells, Inc.$68,938$33.14
    10Lenox Hill Neighborhood House$66,144$31.80
    11Chemtex$65,538$31.51
    12Sanofi US$62,621$30.111
    13State University of New York College at Cortland$60,386$29.03
    14The Workmen's Circle$60,305$28.99
    15Case Western Reserve University$57,518$27.651
    16The University of New Mexico$49,729$23.918
    17PK Management$42,830$20.59
  4. Writing a medical researcher job description

    A medical researcher job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a medical researcher job description:

    Medical researcher job description example

    Salary Grade

    Salary Grade 07 for staff working 37.5 hours per week
    To view salary ranges or Salary Administration Attachments, please copy and paste the following address in your web browser:
    Requires a valid Case network ID and password to access.
    .

    Job Description

    POSITION OBJECTIVE

    Working under moderate supervision. Perform research work in molecular and biochemical-related technical areas involving lab/ research skills; analyze samples-record results for a particular or closely related series of experiments. All the DNA templated processes like DNA repair, replication, and transcription require access to the DNA sequence. Therefore, maintenance of chromatin structure is an integral component to deter physiological responses, including inflammation and premature Aging. Excitingly, lifespan can be extended by manipulations that reverse the age-dependent changes to chromatin structure, indicating the pivotal role chromatin structure plays during Aging. This position will work with mice.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    1. Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves using lab skills. Various Mice models will be used in the study, and the technician will be trained for mice work under supervision. Conduct PCR, qPCR, Extract nucleic acids and Protein, Running Gel electrophoresis, Mouse Cell Culture, preparation of buffers, Epigenetic study using ATAC, RNA, and Histone Modification sequencing. DNA methylation assays. (60%)
    2. Conduct analysis of samples. Analyze qPCR data, protein quantification, and perform buffer calculation. (10%)
    3. Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. All the lab experiments will have to be recorded daily, including the protocols and results. (10%)
    4. Maintain records of experiments and detail lab activities, reagents, etc. The experiments include nucleic acid, protein purification, genome-wide library preparation for next-generation sequencing ( ATAC, RNA, ChIP, MNase, Methylation sequencing), and quantification of prepared libraries using Qbit and Fragment analyzers. (10%)

    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    1. Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Maintain lab stock of reagents daily. ( 5%)
    2. Order laboratory supplies and reagents. (4%)
    3. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

    CONTACTS

    Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

    University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

    External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

    Students: Contact student employees to exchange information.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

    REQUIRED SKILLS

    1. Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within protein biology. Should The research assistant for this position should know basic concepts of DNA, RNA, and protein biology and be able to successfully isolate nuclei acids from a small amount of mice tissues and cell lines, Protein estimation, cell and tissue isolation from mice, and good verbal and presentation skills.
    2. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
    3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, horizontal gel electrophoresis machines, and Pipettes.
    4. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
    5. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
    6. Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
    7. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
    8. Previous experience working with animals preferred.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    The employee needs protective eyewear, a laboratory coat, and appropriate Gloves General laboratory environment. In addition, they may have exposure to hazards such as chemicals and lab reagents.

    Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service "Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to medical school Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

    Diversity Statement

    In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

    .

    Reasonable Accommodations

    Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

    .

    COVID Vaccination

    Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at / for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find medical researchers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your medical researcher job on Zippia to find and recruit medical researcher candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit medical researchers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new medical researcher

    Once you've found the medical researcher candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a medical researcher?

Before you start to hire medical researchers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire medical researchers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $61,177 per year for a medical researcher, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for medical researchers in the US typically range between $16 and $50 an hour.

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