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What is an associate project scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Kimberlee Mix PhD
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an associate project scientist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $42.67 an hour? That's $88,756 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 17% and produce 20,800 job opportunities across the U.S.

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

Kimberlee Mix PhDKimberlee Mix PhD LinkedIn profile

Provost Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans

Keep looking for opportunities to grow and learn. Pursuing an advanced degree may help with earning potential, but also consider online courses in bioinformatics and other certificate programs that will give you a competitive edge.
ScoreAssociate Project ScientistUS Average
Salary
6.9

Avg. Salary $88,756

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 26.23%

Black or African American 6.61%

Hispanic or Latino 9.90%

Unknown 4.00%

White 53.11%

Gender

female 39.13%

male 60.87%

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

Associate project scientist career paths

Key steps to become an associate project scientist

  1. Explore associate project scientist education requirements

    Most common associate project scientist degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.6 %

    Doctorate

    13.4 %

    Master's

    9.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific associate project scientist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Sops44.15%
    Molecular Biology26.64%
    Sample Analysis16.05%
    DNA5.10%
    Sample Preparation3.57%
  3. Complete relevant associate project scientist training and internships

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

    • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
    • Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
    • Analyze, troubleshoot and resolve issues pertaining to experimental procedures.
  5. Apply for associate project scientist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an associate project 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 project scientist job

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Average associate project scientist salary

The average associate project scientist salary in the United States is $88,756 per year or $43 per hour. Associate project scientist salaries range between $66,000 and $118,000 per year.

Average associate project scientist salary
$88,756 Yearly
$42.67 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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