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What is an associate principal scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Betsy Smith

Associate Principal Scientists are in charge of overseeing the operations of scientific research. They collaborate with cross-functional teams in defining technical specifications. Similarly, they provide training and mentorship to staff. An associate principal scientist ensures the details of the clients and projects are kept confidential. He/She regularly gets updated on technological and scientific advancement. Besides that, he/she resolves conflicts within and between departments. He/She monitors project timelines and performance. Also, he/she oversees laboratory work and ensures accurate scientific report documentation. Additionally, he/she helps with technical and laboratory activities focused on method development and analytical strategy.

The requirements for this role may either be a master's degree or a doctoral degree with at least seven years of relevant analytical development experience. Candidates must possess communication, organization, troubleshooting, record-keeping, problem-solving, teamwork, strategic thinking, and multitasking skills. Associate principal scientists make an average income of $109,608 per year which is $52.7 hourly. It ranges from $84,000 to $142,000.

What general advice would you give to an associate principal scientist?

Dr. Betsy SmithDr. Betsy Smith LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College

I would advise students just graduating to be flexible and open-minded in their job search. Chemistry is a challenging major, and students who succeed in it have learned how to learn, so they shouldn't assume that pure chemistry is the only thing they can do. One growing field is biomedical research, and chemistry majors are often qualified for jobs in that area. If you have other strengths, like writing, there are often jobs that can combine them as a technical writer or work for a science journal. There are jobs out there that might be perfect for you that you haven't heard of until you see an ad for it, so be open to different possibilities.
ScoreAssociate Principal ScientistUS Average
Salary
7.9

Avg. Salary $112,297

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 27.12%

Black or African American 6.30%

Hispanic or Latino 9.52%

Unknown 4.08%

White 52.82%

Gender

female 35.86%

male 64.14%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an associate principal scientist

  1. Explore associate principal scientist education requirements

    Most common associate principal scientist degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.0 %

    Doctorate

    25.7 %

    Master's

    16.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific associate principal scientist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Data Analysis9.62%
    Chemistry8.64%
    Project Management4.42%
    Clinical Trials4.37%
    GMP3.51%
  3. Complete relevant associate principal scientist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New associate principal scientists 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 an associate principal scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real associate principal scientist resumes.
  4. Research associate principal scientist duties and responsibilities

    • Develop strategies for the CMC teams to achieve global regulatory compliance.
    • Manage transfer of processes to CMO's and oversee GMP manufacturing when technology not available in house.
    • Manage technology transfer for clinical API supply delivery.
    • Manage stability coordination activities for market drug products in accordance to company and ICH guidelines.
  5. Prepare your associate principal scientist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your associate principal scientist 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 an associate principal scientist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable associate principal scientist resume templates

    Build a professional associate principal scientist 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 associate principal scientist resume.
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
    Associate Principal Scientist Resume
  6. Apply for associate principal scientist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an associate principal scientist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first associate principal scientist job

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Average associate principal scientist salary

The average associate principal scientist salary in the United States is $112,297 per year or $54 per hour. Associate principal scientist salaries range between $78,000 and $160,000 per year.

Average associate principal scientist salary
$112,297 Yearly
$53.99 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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