How to hire an assistant scientist

How to hire an assistant scientist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step assistant scientist hiring guide:

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

What does an assistant scientist do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an assistant scientist, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an assistant scientist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an assistant scientist that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of assistant scientists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Assistant Scientist	Description	Hourly rate
   Assistant Scientist	Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.	$25-54
   Quality Control Analyst	Quality assurance representatives are professionals who are responsible for ensuring the quality of units produced or manufactured is following the standards set by the industry. These representatives supervise the entire production process to identify erroneous methods or tools being used by workers and observing produced for visible defects... Show more	$19-41
   Research And Development Chemist	A research and development chemist primarily works at laboratories to conduct extensive tests and experiments aiming to develop new products and technologies. Although the extent of their duties may vary, it typically revolves around conducting research and studies, observing chemical reactions, maintaining records and databases, collaborating with fellow experts, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing components or mixtures... Show more	$25-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Laboratory Equipment
   • Data Analysis
   • Laboratory Procedures
   • Sample Preparation
   • Cell Culture
   • Method Development
   • HPLC
   • Analytical Techniques
   • Data Collection
   • Molecular Biology
   • GLP
   • QC
   • Lims
   • Research Projects

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage laboratory inspections and maintenance programs in compliance with GLP regulations.
   • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
   • Prepare biological samples, reagents, stock and working standards and QC samples.
   • Develop ELISA and SEAP assays for quantification of HIV proteins.
   • Involve in and bring project from start to FDA acceptance to commercial introduction.
   • Perform ELISA, RIA, and EIA screening of monoclonal antibodies for specific antigens.

   More assistant scientist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your assistant scientist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An assistant scientist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, assistant scientists' average salary in louisiana is 57% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level assistant scientists 54% less than senior-level assistant scientists.
   • Certifications. An assistant scientist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an assistant scientist's salary.

   Average assistant scientist salary

   $77,400yearly

   $37.21 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level assistant scientist salary

   $52,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average assistant scientist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$112,080	$54
   2	Hawaii	$94,235	$45
   3	Maryland	$90,891	$44
   4	Massachusetts	$84,893	$41
   5	New Jersey	$83,478	$40
   6	Arizona	$80,611	$39
   7	Illinois	$79,759	$38
   8	Oregon	$77,999	$38
   9	Indiana	$77,114	$37
   10	Michigan	$72,832	$35
   11	Virginia	$69,553	$33
   12	New York	$69,425	$33
   13	Minnesota	$68,705	$33
   14	Wisconsin	$68,624	$33
   15	South Dakota	$67,654	$33
   16	Pennsylvania	$66,157	$32
   17	Florida	$63,650	$31
   18	Colorado	$63,541	$31
   19	Texas	$58,751	$28
   20	Georgia	$56,712	$27

   Average assistant scientist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	The Art Institute of Chicago	$117,589	$56.53
   2	Argonne National Laboratory	$108,267	$52.05	10
   3	Brookhaven National Laboratory	$107,747	$51.80
   4	Bayer	$94,322	$45.35	50
   5	AURA	$91,904	$44.18
   6	FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA	$89,397	$42.98	16
   7	FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies	$88,388	$42.49	7
   8	Kellogg	$85,938	$41.32
   9	Bristol-Myers Squibb	$85,666	$41.19	83
   10	Syngenta	$84,288	$40.52	6
   11	Sanford Health	$83,253	$40.03	6
   12	National Radio Astronomy Observatory	$82,353	$39.59
   13	California Institute of Technology	$81,429	$39.15	2
   14	UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital	$80,966	$38.93
   15	Woods Hole Research Center	$80,775	$38.83
   16	Morgridge Institute for Research	$80,675	$38.79	1
   17	Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution	$80,176	$38.55	1
   18	QuintilesIMS	$80,042	$38.48	11
   19	Pfizer	$79,956	$38.44	52
   20	Merck	$79,936	$38.43	104

4. Writing an assistant scientist job description

   A good assistant scientist job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an assistant scientist job description:

   Assistant scientist job description example

   Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labeling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies.
   
   In 2020, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 5.4 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.
   
   Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing-Columbia has delivered expert scientific support to companies working to improve human and animal health. As a member of the Eurofins BPT Columbia team, you'll work alongside respected technical experts dedicated to scientific excellence in a process driven regulatory compliant environment.
   
   The Assistant Scientist position is an entry-level professional position involved in day-to-day activities in a laboratory setting under prescribed processes (protocols, standard operating procedures, methods, etc.). Responsibilities include completing work for research and development under CGMP and/or GLP guidelines for studies, documentation, etc. Assisting in conducting, monitoring and reporting studies to ensure data accuracy and report quality. Providing somewhat complex analytical work on projects and studies using a range of analytical techniques and instruments. Working with increasing independence on studies and assignments.
   The ideal candidate would possess:
   
   * Experience in cell, molecular, and immune assays; including cell-based assays, ELISAs, electrophoresis, WB and PCR techniques.
   * Strong background in cell and molecular biology.
   * Experience with GLP and/or GMP and hands-on experience with HPLC and/or GC.
   * Experience with LIMS system desirable.
   * Familiarity and/or experience in a laboratory setting is required.
   * A highly motivated staff member that is willing to work on a team, and willing to work with others to teach and learn new skills.
   * Good organizational skills; ability to follow direction and good communication skills are required.
   * Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or other directly related field or degree with comparable coursework in the above areas and a minimum of two years of experience in a directly relevant or demonstrated comparable competency and skill attainment is required.
   * A Master's degree in a relevant field may be substituted for the bachelor's degree and experience.
   * Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.
   
   Position is full-time, Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of Columbia, MO are encouraged to apply.
   
   As a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received national recognition as a great place to work. We offer excellent full-time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays and PTO, and dental and vision options.
   
   To learn more about Eurofins, please explore our website www.eurofinsus.com.
   
   We are looking forward to receiving your application including your expected salary and possible start date via our career website.
   
   Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
   
   Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find assistant scientists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any assistant scientists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level assistant scientists with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your assistant scientist job on Zippia to find and recruit assistant scientist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with assistant scientist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of 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 assistant scientist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the assistant scientist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new assistant scientist. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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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