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Associate Chemist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Hach

Chemist III, R&D

Ames, IA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

A powerful team excited to work with you Reporting to the R&D Chemistry Manager , the R&D Chemist ... An associate's position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but ...

New

Hach

Chemist III, R&D

Ames, IA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

A powerful team excited to work with you Reporting to the R&D Chemistry Manager , the R&D Chemist ... An associate's position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but ...

Kemin

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Bachelors Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 0-3 years of experience OR * Associates Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 2+ years of experience

Actalent

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Research Associate The Research Associate conducts basic and applied research in microbiology ... Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry as part of a ...

Kemin

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA

Bachelors Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 0-3 years of experience OR * Associates Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 2+ years of experience

Kemin

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA

Bachelors Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 0-3 years of experience OR * Associates Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 2+ years of experience

Kemin

Associate Scientist - Food Science

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Overview Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist in Food ... Working alongside microbiologists, chemists and processing engineers, this individual will anchor ...

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All JobsAssociate Chemist JobsAssociate Chemist Jobs in Iowa

Associate Chemist information

See Iowa salary details

$16

$26

$42

How much do associate chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate chemist in Iowa is $26.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $28.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate chemist?

Associate Chemists are entry- to mid-level scientists who work in laboratories to analyze substances, conduct experiments, and assist in developing new products or processes. They support senior chemists by preparing samples, running tests, recording results, and maintaining lab equipment. Associate Chemists often work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, environmental science, or food and beverage. Their role is essential for ensuring quality control, research progress, and regulatory compliance within their organizations.

What does an associate chemist do?

An associate chemist works in a chemistry lab and performs material analysis, chemical tests, and other research experiments under the supervision of a lead chemist or more senior researcher. Your duties and responsibilities differ based on where you work. Associate chemists work in numerous industries, including pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical research and development, industrial production, and oil and gas exploration and refining. Depending on the field, you may have specific duties related to a specialization, such as forensic chemistry or inorganic chemistry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate chemist?

To thrive as an Associate Chemist, a solid background in chemistry, laboratory techniques, and a relevant bachelor's degree are generally required. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometers, as well as experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is typical. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate experimental results, compliance with safety standards, and successful collaboration within research or quality control environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate chemist during laboratory work, and how can they be managed?

Associate Chemists often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, and troubleshooting unexpected results. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, document all procedures meticulously, and communicate openly with colleagues and supervisors. Regularly participating in team meetings and seeking guidance from senior chemists can also help in overcoming technical hurdles and improving workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Associate Chemist vs Chemist?

AspectAssociate ChemistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldBachelor's degree, often with additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, quality control, research supportResearch labs, product development, analytical testing
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, manufacturing, research institutionsSame as Associate Chemist, often with more responsibilities

The main difference between an Associate Chemist and a Chemist lies in experience and responsibility levels. Associate Chemists typically support laboratory operations and perform routine testing, while Chemists often lead experiments and analyze data independently. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in scientific industries, but Chemists usually have more advanced roles and responsibilities.

Can you be an associate chemist with an associate's degree?

Yes, an associate chemist position typically requires an associate's degree in chemistry, chemical technology, or a related field. Employers may also value laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and sometimes relevant certifications, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred for more advanced roles.
More about Associate Chemist jobs

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The most popular types of Chemist jobs in Iowa are:

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For Associate Chemist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Chemist jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Chemist jobs in Iowa are:

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What are popular job titles related to Associate Chemist jobs in IA?

For Associate Chemist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Associate Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Chemist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,490 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Cargill
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 225 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Cargillexternal

$23.50 - $31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with lifes essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.

Job Purpose and Impact

The Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist, will ensure products meet or exceed customer requirements for quality and food safety. In this role, you will apply basic understanding of plant processes to monitor quality assurance systems including instrumentation calibration, maintenance, crosschecks, methods, procedures, raw materials, food safety and training. You will provide technical advice and support to production operations to ensure product quality, minimize process variation, process recoveries, waste reduction and cost minimization and improve customer satisfaction.


Key Accountabilities
  • Assure product meets compliance specifications and overall final product approval checks.
  • Data analysis, trend identification, troubleshooting, corrective action and communication with regard to processing data.
  • Assess process quality parameters and food safety and quality systems daily, including cross checks, raw materials, calibration, maintenance, procedures, food safety, training, auditing and oversight of analytical testing performed in control rooms.
  • Training of new food safety and quality chemists, analysts, operators, technicians and personnel from other functional areas.
  • Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Willing and able to work on a rotating shift including weekends
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to adapt and learn in a changing work environment
  • Ability to anticipate, recognize, and seek process and laboratory problems, implement improvements based on the findings
  • Strong analytical skills to evaluate change factors and formulate independent decisions
  • Experience with email, spreadsheet and word processing applications
Position information:
  • Relocation will not be provided for this position
  • Work schedule: Dayshift Mon Fri 7am -4:30pm to start and then it will change to a 12hr shift from 6:00am -6:00pm with rotating days and occasional weekends and holidays
  • Position is based in Fort Dodge, IA

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet


To apply using chat/text, please click Apply Now button OR use this link to create a login to apply.
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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

View All Cargill Jobs

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