How to hire a research investigator

How to hire a research investigator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step research investigator hiring guide:

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

What does a research investigator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The research investigator 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?

   Yes

   No

   A research investigator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, research investigators 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.

   Here's a comparison of research investigator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Research Investigator	Description	Hourly rate
   Research Investigator	Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.	$25-56
   Medical Science Liaison	A medical science liaison (MSL) is a scientific professional who facilitates a working relationship between healthcare companies and leading physicians, researchers, and clinicians. Also referred to as key opinion leaders (KOL), medical science liaisons represent their company to the decision-makers in the medical community as well as to investors and government regulatory agencies... Show more	$28-172
   Chemist	Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter... Show more	$22-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Patients
   • Data Analysis
   • Molecular Biology
   • Immunology
   • Drug Discovery
   • Visualization
   • RNA
   • Cell Biology
   • Statistical Analysis
   • Cell-Based Assays
   • Profiling
   • Research Findings
   • BMS
   • Cell Lines

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage laboratory to produce and analyze DNA microarrays.
   • Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
   • Validate and implement quantitative analytical methods for the determination of biomarkers in biological matrices.
   • Update GLCF website using HTML scripting.
   • research on structure determination from NMR data.
   • Optimize efficient reporter virus assay to replace ELISA endpoint.

   More research investigator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your research investigator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A research investigator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, research investigators' average salary in utah is 68% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level research investigators earn 55% less than senior-level research investigators.
   • Certifications. A research investigator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a research investigator's salary.

   Average research investigator salary

   $79,438yearly

   $38.19 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level research investigator salary

   $53,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average research investigator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$153,493	$74
   2	New Jersey	$134,042	$64
   3	Connecticut	$134,025	$64
   4	Delaware	$114,825	$55
   5	Massachusetts	$106,143	$51
   6	Indiana	$100,136	$48
   7	Pennsylvania	$96,949	$47
   8	Oregon	$96,780	$47
   9	Maryland	$96,772	$47
   10	District of Columbia	$92,472	$44
   11	Arizona	$90,994	$44
   12	Washington	$89,253	$43
   13	New York	$88,967	$43
   14	Minnesota	$81,790	$39
   15	Michigan	$77,662	$37
   16	Georgia	$67,329	$32
   17	Florida	$62,792	$30
   18	Iowa	$58,962	$28
   19	Texas	$56,753	$27

   Average research investigator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Mintz	$165,602	$79.62	5
   2	Bristol-Myers Squibb	$116,576	$56.05	29
   3	Novartis	$115,900	$55.72	1
   4	Incyte	$111,958	$53.83	3
   5	Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.	$104,258	$50.12	26
   6	The Chemours Company	$104,093	$50.04	2
   7	Sanofi US	$103,327	$49.68	30
   8	Abbott	$102,102	$49.09	18
   9	Eisai	$97,561	$46.90
   10	Amicus Therapeutics	$96,100	$46.20
   11	Baylor Scott & White Health	$94,009	$45.20	20
   12	Population Council	$93,384	$44.90	2
   13	Kaiser Permanente	$87,293	$41.97	36
   14	Corteva	$87,124	$41.89	7
   15	Kelly Services	$86,496	$41.58	28
   16	DuPont	$84,208	$40.48	6
   17	International Flavors & Fragrances	$82,119	$39.48	1
   18	Buck Institute for Research on Aging	$81,770	$39.31	7
   19	KLAS Research	$81,513	$39.19
   20	Katmai Careers	$81,461	$39.16

4. Writing a research investigator job description

   A research investigator 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. Below, you can find an example of a research investigator job description:

   Research investigator job description example

   For over 20 years, Meridian has partnered with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to research new drugs, medical devices, and diagnostics to help improve lives. The level of service, quality, and integrity we provide makes Meridian unique, but our reputation is great because of our people. Clinical research is tremendously challenging, yet it is incredibly rewarding. We value our employees for being all in, owning it, their teamwork, and sharing it. If you're searching for a career with purpose, integrity, and opportunity, then we want to hear from you!
   
   Meridian Clinical Research is looking for a full-time Nurse Practitioner (NP) OR Physician Assistant (PA) to join our team of clinical research investigators, coordinators, and research assistants. Meridian Clinical Research partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to research new drugs, medical devices, and diagnostics that could improve human health and wellbeing.
   
   The job of the Sub Investigator (Sub-I) is to act as the secondary physician in medical and clinical issues, as requested or required. The Sub-I works with the PI to evaluate clinical trials and ensure that all study-related procedures are completed. The Sub-I performs critical trial-related procedures and makes important trial-related decisions. The Sub-I is engaged in the informed consent process and has a significant role in the conduct of the research.
   Responsibilities
   · Ensure that an investigation is conducted according to the signed investigator statement, the investigational plan and the applicable regulations.
   · Screen and recruit patients.
   · Obtain informed consent of each human subject to whom the drug is administered in accordance with the provisions of Title 21 part 50 except as provided in Title 21 part 50.23 and 50.24. Title 21 part 312.60.
   · Confirm eligibility of study subjects.
   · Sign prescriptions.
   · Conduct clinical examinations.
   · Evaluate laboratory and other medical reports.
   · Supervise administration of study drug.
   · Maintain accurate accountability for all clinical supplies received by site.
   · Observe, measure and record effects of drug.
   · Evaluate, manage and report all adverse events.
   · Keep and make study documentation available for data verification purposes.
   · Performs technical tasks, such as medical procedures, tests and assessments that require special experience.
   · Assess study-specific procedures along with the clinical research coordinator required for each protocol and assign responsibility to specific staff.
   · Participate actively in all phases of the research study including serious adverse event (SAE) reporting and advocates for all patients.
   · Provide accurate history and physical examination to all research subjects at baseline including all the required phases for each study.
   · Perform phlebotomy and process blood and urine samples.
   · Process and package various infectious and non-infectious lab specimens.
   · Work with the clinical research coordinator in provide in-service education on new protocols to study and hospital staff as needed.
   · Responsible for study completion (study close-out).
   · Send accurate screening logs to sponsor weekly.
   · Oversee that coordinator is knowledgeable and educated on study drug administration.
   · Assist in maintaining accurate accountability for all clinical supplies received by the site.
   · Assist and educate staff on phlebotomy.
   · Be available for any questions regarding closeout visit of study.
   · Ensure accurate screening logs are sent to sponsor weekly coordinator.
   · Performs other duties as assigned.
   Meridian offers competitive pay and benefits, and rewards high performance with excellent career opportunities. If you're ready to help advance human health while working in an enjoyable, fast-paced environment, contact Meridian.
   
   RequirmentsAt least two years of clinical or medical experience.Ability to travel to other sites on occasion Valid and maintained Physician Assistant (PA) license or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)/Nurse Practitioner (NP) license.Have high ethical standards and professional honesty.Friendly and outgoing demeanor.Demonstrate clinical competence, positive leadership and ability to work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team.Must demonstrate a passion for direct patient interaction.Familiar with the background of the study drug and requirements of the study.
   Meridian not only strives to move science forward and improve the lives of others, but we focus on improving the lives of our people by offering a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees. Meridian's benefits package includes eligibility for medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401k with company match, seven paid holidays, paid time off, student loan reimbursement program, complimentary life insurance, disability insurance and so much more!

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find research investigators 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 research investigator job on Zippia to find and recruit research investigator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit research investigators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 research investigator

   Once you've selected the best research investigator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new research investigator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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 research investigator?