What does an associate research scientist do?
An Associate Research Scientist is responsible for researching activities, organizing projects, supervising research, and preparing research proposals. They work under the supervision of a research scientist.
Associate research scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real associate research scientist resumes:
- Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
- Select anti-IgE antibodies that block the binding of IgE to receptor using solid-phase panning and ELISA.
- Develop ELISA's for quantifying IGF-1 in serum and determining antibody levels in porcine and bovine serum.
- Improve sequence throughput by a factor of four by streamlining DNA template purification protocols and incorporating new magnetic bead technology.
- Perform PCR, DNA purification on samples, load sequencers and analyze data from ABI 373 and 377 DNA sequencers.
- Assist in HPLC methods development for quantitative analysis
- Validate cleaning verification method for residuals on production surfaces for pharmaceutical products using HPLC.
- Demonstrate strict adherence to GMP laboratory documentation guidelines when recording results in lab notebook.
- Present and discuss bi-weekly PowerPoint presentations of experimental data with other scientists and principle investigators.
- Identify and leverage relationships with supportive physicians, thereby increasing rate of consent to contact patients.
- Promote rapid turn around of new proprietary compounds by coordinating engineering, processing and organic chemistry groups.
- Supervise junior level scientists in developing projects, and mastering concepts and techniques in molecular biology / immunology.
- Train research staff, conduct qualitative interviews with HIV-positive patients and medical providers, maintain study databases and regulatory compliance
- Develop methods and programs using liquid handlers and other robotics to assist with reagent preparation and medicinal chemistry synthesis.
- Develop efficient HPLC and LCMS methods for supporting synthetic process development (process optimization and reference material synthesis).
Associate research scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Associate Research Scientists are proficient in Patients, Data Analysis, and Cell Culture. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observation skills, Communication skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Associate Research Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 10%
Trained research staff, conducted qualitative interviews with HIV-positive patients and medical providers, maintained study databases and regulatory compliance
- Data Analysis, 6%
Collaborated with principal and co-investigators in data analysis and interpretation, report writing and the presentation of findings.
- Cell Culture, 5%
Performed routine cell culture, cell maintenance/storage, cell based assays, protein assays, and protein purification related tasks.
- Molecular Biology, 5%
Coordinated efforts between pharmacology, molecular biology and expression groups for projects.
- Chemistry, 5%
Promoted rapid turn around of new proprietary compounds by coordinating engineering, processing and organic chemistry groups.
- Research Projects, 4%
Conducted internal Research projects to be presented at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists(AAPS).
"patients," "data analysis," and "cell culture" are among the most common skills that associate research scientists use at work. You can find even more associate research scientist responsibilities below, including:
Observation skills. The most essential soft skill for an associate research scientist to carry out their responsibilities is observation skills. This skill is important for the role because "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." Additionally, an associate research scientist resume shows how their duties depend on observation skills: "collected, analyzed, and interpreted experimental data, and recorded procedures, observations, and results daily in electronic notebook. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform associate research scientist duties is communication skills. Associate research scientists responsibilities require that "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Associate research scientists also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "increased efficiency of high priority drug discovery program with accountability initiatives for project milestones and facilitating interdepartmental communications. "
The three companies that hire the most associate research scientists are:
- Columbia University in the City of New York105 associate research scientists jobs
- Pharmaceutical Product Development
18 associate research scientists jobs
- JoulA(c)14 associate research scientists jobs
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Associate research scientist vs. 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. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, associate research scientist responsibilities require skills like "patients," "cell culture," "molecular biology," and "research projects." Meanwhile a typical chemist has skills in areas such as "lab equipment," "test results," "sample preparation," and "uv/vis." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Chemists earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $75,495. On the other hand, associate research scientists are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $85,321.The education levels that chemists earn slightly differ from associate research scientists. In particular, chemists are 5.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an associate research scientist. Additionally, they're 21.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Associate research scientist vs. Microbiologist
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, associate research scientist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "patients," "cell culture," "molecular biology," and "chemistry." Meanwhile, a microbiologist has duties that require skills in areas such as "lab equipment," "microbiology lab," "laboratory procedures," and "usp." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, microbiologists earn a lower salary than associate research scientists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, microbiologists earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $57,911. Whereas associate research scientists have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $85,321.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Microbiologists tend to reach similar levels of education than associate research scientists. In fact, they're 3.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 21.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for associate research scientists in the next 3-5 years?
Associate research scientist vs. Postdoctoral associate
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from associate research scientist resumes include skills like "molecular biology," "oncology," "excellent interpersonal," and "technical reports," whereas a postdoctoral associate is more likely to list skills in "tip," "biomedical," "python," and "independent research. "
Postdoctoral associates earn the highest salary when working in the education industry, where they receive an average salary of $53,445. Comparatively, associate research scientists have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $85,321.When it comes to education, postdoctoral associates tend to earn similar degree levels compared to associate research scientists. In fact, they're 1.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 22.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Associate research scientist vs. Research associate
A research associate is responsible for assisting the research team, organizing and interpreting findings, and verifying information before presenting the study to the board. Research associates duties also include gathering and comparing data from multiple sources, analyzing the current industry trends, creating draft outlines for reports, collecting individual contacts for interview purposes, and helping with the development of research procedures. A research associate must have excellent time-management skills and ability to multi-task, especially on meeting strict deadlines and conducting studies.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between associate research scientists and research associates, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an associate research scientist might have more use for skills like "molecular biology," "oncology," "cell biology," and "drug discovery." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of research associates require skills like "lab equipment," "rna," "python," and "analyze data. "
The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for research associates, with average annual pay of $84,005. Comparatively, the highest associate research scientist annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.In general, research associates hold similar degree levels compared to associate research scientists. Research associates are 3.7% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 13.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of associate research scientist
Updated January 8, 2025











