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What is a senior research investigator and how to become one
Senior research investigators are in charge of research experiments at laboratories or universities. They can research groundbreaking new medication to treat cancer, break barriers in our understanding of genetics, or conduct any other experiments that fall within their specialty. No matter what research they are conducting, senior research investigators are usually in charge of designing and implementing an experiment. They are familiar with the laboratory equipment and processes needed to do the research that they are conducting. In addition to playing around with lab equipment, senior research investigators make sure that the laboratory runs smoothly by training other workers and supervising them, especially students.
Senior research investigators need to be scientific experts. Most have a bachelor's degree in their field, such as chemistry or biology, and many years of experience working in laboratories. University laboratories may require that a senior research investigator has a PhD before working there.
Senior research investigators earn an average salary of $89,213. For most, what really matters is that they get to dedicate their lives to science.
What general advice would you give to a senior research investigator?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Avg. Salary $90,336
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 17%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%
Asian 24.94%
Black or African American 6.23%
Hispanic or Latino 9.43%
Unknown 4.06%
White 55.19%
Genderfemale 42.20%
male 57.80%
Age - 39American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 39Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Senior research investigator career paths
Key steps to become a senior research investigator
Explore senior research investigator education requirements
Start to develop specific senior research investigator skills
Skills Percentages Data Analysis 11.00% Drug Discovery 5.95% Chemistry 5.73% Visualization 5.21% BMS 5.02% Complete relevant senior research investigator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior research investigators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior research investigator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior research investigator resumes.Research senior research investigator duties and responsibilities
- Process, analyze and upload HTS data that lead to the discovery of new structural classes of small molecules.
- Develop molecular analysis methods and cell-base assays for RNA interference (RNAi) and oligonucleotide decoy projects.
- Provide scientific support for CA125, a monoclonal antibody cancer immunotherapy program.
- Probe compound/receptor-ligand complexes by establishing mammalian reporter cell lines and biochemical competition assays with FACS and ELISA endpoints.
Get senior research investigator experience
Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a senior research investigator. The most common roles before becoming a senior research investigator include research assistant, internship team lead and research investigator.Prepare your senior research investigator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior research investigator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior research investigator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable senior research investigator resume templates
Build a professional senior research investigator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior research investigator resume.
Apply for senior research investigator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a senior research investigator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first senior research investigator job
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Average senior research investigator salary
The average senior research investigator salary in the United States is $90,336 per year or $43 per hour. Senior research investigator salaries range between $58,000 and $139,000 per year.
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Senior research investigator reviews
The struggle of not breaking a certain research topic.
Science of observation
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Updated January 8, 2025
