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Assistant Staff Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M-Fri (40 hours) We are seeking a highly motivated and productive Staff Scientist to support ... Counsels staff/trainees on minor technical problems; may advise and assist staff/trainees with ...

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Assistant Staff Scientist information

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$22K

$64.1K

$93.5K

How much do assistant staff scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant staff scientist in the United States is $64,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Staff Scientists during interdisciplinary research projects?

Assistant Staff Scientists often collaborate with experts from various fields, which can present challenges related to communication and aligning research goals. Adapting to different scientific methodologies and integrating diverse data sets require flexibility and strong organizational skills. Effective problem-solving and openness to feedback are essential to navigate these complexities and contribute meaningfully to the team’s objectives.

What are Assistant Staff Scientists?

Assistant Staff Scientists are early-career researchers who support scientific investigations in academic, government, or industry laboratories. They typically hold advanced degrees, such as a master's or PhD, and work under the supervision of senior scientists. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting in the publication of research findings. This role is often a stepping stone to more independent research positions, such as Staff Scientist or Principal Investigator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Staff Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Staff Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and typically a relevant advanced degree (such as a master's or PhD) in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (like R or SPSS), and sometimes certifications in lab safety or specialized techniques is important. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on research projects and disseminating findings. These competencies ensure accurate results, productive teamwork, and advancement of scientific objectives.

What is the difference between Assistant Staff Scientist vs Staff Scientist?

AspectAssistant Staff ScientistStaff Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, some research experienceMaster's or Ph.D., extensive research experience
Work EnvironmentSupportive research teams, laboratoriesLead research projects, mentoring roles
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharmaResearch institutions, biotech, pharma

The Assistant Staff Scientist typically holds a bachelor's or master's degree with limited research experience and supports ongoing projects. In contrast, the Staff Scientist usually has a Ph.D. and more extensive research experience, often leading projects. Both roles are common in research settings like biotech and pharma, but Staff Scientists have greater responsibilities and independence.

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What cities are hiring for Assistant Staff Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Staff Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Staff Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Staff Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Staff Scientist jobs include:
Assistant Staff Scientist

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Posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The School of Dentistry shares the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University to provide educational programs, basic and clinical research, and high quality care and community programs. We strive to foster an environment of mutual respect where the free exchange of ideas can flourish. The dental school prepares graduates in general dentistry and the dental specialties to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care. 

Function/Duties of Position

The Pfeifer lab is a collaborative Research group within the School of Dentistry, Department of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences. The lab was established in 2011 and has been continuously supported by the NIH-National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and others. We have a strong track record in the fields of Biomaterials and Polymer Chemistry, with over 150 publications and several full patents. Our focus is to develop materials solutions for use in healthcare applications (including oral) with a heavy emphasis at the interface with microbiology and host tissue interactions. We have been able to be successful in this quest thanks to a multi-disciplinary team of highly collaborative individuals, including materials scientists, clinicians, engineers, chemists and microbiologists. The work we do spans traditional materials science and cell biology. We'd love for you to join us!

Dr. Carmem Pfeifer seeks an Assistant Staff Scientist with extensive knowledge of microbiology and materials science related methods to drive research projects to academic and translational goals. This person will contribute to scientific direction of numerous projects and share the management responsibilities for lab members working on those projects. Technical expertise in the area molecular biology and molecular design, as well as collaborative research approach are key to success in this role. 

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in relevant field (Bioengineering, Biology, Biomaterials, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science)
  • Doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences or related fields and a minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral work experience in a research lab with a focus on material-tissue/biofilm interactions
  • Intimate knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology assays
  • Knowledge of how to operate various instrumentation and basic engineering principles for applications and troubleshooting with instrumentation (including at least a few of the following: Mechanical testing: universal testing machine (flexural strength, fracture toughness, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology); Spectroscopic techniques (IR and UV-Vis, mass spec, GPC, HPLC); Imaging (SEM and confocal microscopy)
  • Ability to optimize and adapt existing molecular biology protocols for analysis of modified material surfaces
  • Familiarity with spatial analysis approaches such as spatial transcriptomics, especially for engineered tissues or on-chip systems
  • Familiarity with technical writing, including research manuscripts, methods manuscripts, patents, and other IP documentation
  • Ability to lead discussions around research projects and proactively communicate with research team members for the success of the project
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills: both written and verbal
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
  • Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) on Window OS, and other advanced graphing and image design software (Prism, Origin, Photoshop, Adobe illustrator)
  • Ability to use empathy and diplomacy to support trainees and other lab members 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques, in silico docking, molecular simulations, microbiology, materials science
  • High-quality peer-reviewed publications
  • Grant writing experience
  • Small molecule synthesis
  • Peptide synthesis
  • MATLAB
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Workshop experience
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887