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What is an associate scientist, research and development and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Kristy Matulevich

If you enjoy science and research, there are many fields available where you can put your talents to work. An associate scientist in research and development (R&D;) can work in a variety of areas, such as engineering, physics, computers, biology, chemistry, and even biomedical research and pharmaceuticals. These individuals conduct studies and research, they use the scientific method to test hypotheses and work to create products, services, and technologies such as vaccines, cancer treatments, computer software, or better ways to send rockets into space.

Most associate scientists work under a principal scientist, and often work in an office setting or remotely for various companies, organizations, and universities. These individuals produce research that can benefit their employers in particular markets and generally work with other scientists and researchers in the design and implementation of specific projects. Most associate scientists in R&D; have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, and are proficient in the generating of reports and data to upper management, clients, and partners.

Most associate scientists in R&D; have at least a bachelor's degree in a scientific field such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, computer science, or physics; however, this is not necessarily a hard and fast requirement if the individual has comparable experience. Associate scientists in R&D; make an average of $67,000 per year, but this varies greatly in the area of research. For example, scientists and engineers, particularly those in the medical sciences, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, are expected to have the largest job growth in the coming years due to the demand for new drugs and therapeutics.

What general advice would you give to an associate scientist, research and development?

Kristy MatulevichKristy Matulevich LinkedIn profile

Medical Laboratory Technology: Clinical Coordinator, Instructor, Harcum College

The general advice I would give would be; first, to become a certified technologist or technician. Once students graduate from a NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science) accredited program, their next step should be to sit for their national certification exam. The exam which my program recommends taking is administered by the ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists), which we feel is the "gold standard" in certification. Many employers either require potential employees to have this credential or give them six months, after they are hired, to pass the exam. Another organization offers a certification exam, AMT (American Medical Technologists); however, my program and the clinical sites in my local area, usually prefer the ASCP certification. Since becoming ASCP certified requires the technician/technologist to maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements, new graduates who are approved will continue to learn more theory and techniques related to clinical/medical laboratory science, which is helpful at any stage in one's career, to promote lifelong learning. Some states across the nation also require licensure, so I recommend that a new graduate be aware of that when pursuing a job opportunity.
ScoreAssociate Scientist, Research And DevelopmentUS Average
Salary
6.5

Avg. Salary $82,581

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 26.44%

Black or African American 6.31%

Hispanic or Latino 9.53%

Unknown 4.08%

White 53.49%

Gender

female 54.37%

male 45.63%

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 scientist, research and development career paths

Key steps to become an associate scientist, research and development

  1. Explore associate scientist, research and development education requirements

    Most common associate scientist, research and development degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.0 %

    Master's

    23.0 %

    Doctorate

    3.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific associate scientist, research and development skills

    SkillsPercentages
    R7.49%
    Data Analysis6.01%
    Cell Culture5.08%
    HPLC4.87%
    Method Development4.72%
  3. Complete relevant associate scientist, research and development training and internships

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

    • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
    • Develop and validate HPLC, GC and Karl Fischer methods for lead compounds/intermediates and relate materials.
    • Participate as validation representative in FDA and ISO audits.
    • Authore, validate and transfer HPLC standard test procedures to commercial QC group.
  5. Prepare your associate scientist, research and development resume

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

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    Build a professional associate scientist, research and development 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 scientist, research and development resume.
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    Associate Scientist, Research And Development Resume
  6. Apply for associate scientist, research and development jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an associate scientist, research and development 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

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Average associate scientist, research and development salary

The average associate scientist, research and development salary in the United States is $82,581 per year or $40 per hour. Associate scientist, research and development salaries range between $59,000 and $114,000 per year.

Average associate scientist, research and development salary
$82,581 Yearly
$39.70 hourly

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Associate scientist, research and development reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Ingenuity and the fast paced environment while critical thinking to solve the problems.


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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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