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Associate Chemist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Arcwood Environmental, LLC

Field Chemist

Abingdon, VA · On-site

Essential Functions & Responsibilities Field Chemist As a Field Chemist you will be responsible for ... Takes on additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization Education - Associates ...

Arcwood Environmental, LLC

Field Chemist

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Essential Functions & Responsibilities Field Chemist As a Field Chemist you will be responsible for ... Takes on additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization Education - Associates ...

Arcwood Environmental, LLC

Field Chemist

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Field Chemist As a Field Chemist you will be responsible for sorting and transporting hazardous and ... Takes on additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization - Associates degree ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

They are seeking multiple full-time Postdoctoral Associates to develop agentic AI systems for ... D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Science, or a related ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

D. in Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Quantum Chemistry, or a closely related field. PhD must be ... associate applicants must have a Ph.D. in either Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Quantum Chemistry ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536638 Work type: Research Faculty ... D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field. The ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Chemistry Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Research / Scientific A Postdoctoral Associate position is available within the Amanda Morris research group. The position will heavily use laser ...

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All JobsAssociate Chemist JobsAssociate Chemist Jobs in Virginia

Associate Chemist information

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$27

$44

How much do associate chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate chemist in Virginia is $27.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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

Yes, an associate chemist position typically requires an associate's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. Employers may also value laboratory skills, familiarity with scientific instruments, and relevant certifications, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred for more advanced roles.

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 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.

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.
More about Associate Chemist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chemist jobs in Virginia are:
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What job categories do people searching Associate Chemist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Chemist jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Chemist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Chemist job openings:
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Associate Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Chemist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,516 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Associate Research Chemist, Polyol Synthesis Group

Carpenter Co.

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Carpenter Co. rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Do you want to be part of a team that aspires to improve the quality of life for others? Are you interested in efficient manufacturing processes that promote sustainability? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment in a job well done? At Carpenter Co., we challenge our employees to learn from and inspire one another - all levels of the company collaborate, communicate and constantly improve to achieve shared success. If that sounds like an environment in which you will thrive, Carpenter Co. could be a great fit for you!
Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for an Associate Research Chemist in the Polyol Synthesis group at our Reinhart Technical Center (RTC) location in Richmond, Virginia (2600 Richmond Highway, Richmond VA 23234). This position will support the growth of the Polyol business and report to the Polyol Synthesis Manager.
Carpenter Co. employees are committed to working hard to ensure production goals are met while maintaining operations excellence. As the Associate Research Chemist, you will be expected to support the functions of the group by performing bench and pilot-scale syntheses, managing analytical equipment and maintaining good records of experiments. This position will report results in oral and written form in a clear and concise manner.
Your additional responsibilities as an Associate Research Chemist will include:
  • Demonstrate general understanding of R&D objectives and provide data in a supporting role to business/technology efforts.
  • Conduct lab scale and on-site pilot scale polyol synthesis reactions with supervisory guidance.
  • Work with customers to understand product requirements.
  • Adjust formulations and process variables to meet required specifications.
  • Perform lab investigations to explore potential technologies.
  • Assist with scaling-up formulations to commercial processes.
  • Develop familiarity with current products and processes.
  • Generate, summarize and analyze data that assist more experienced personnel in problem solving activities.
  • Prepare correspondence and technical reports that are clear and understandable.
  • Communicate to associates in a clear and concise fashion.
  • Travel to the chemical manufacturing plant to learn the industrial-scale process and support production trials and other startup or commercialization initiatives.
  • Monitor industry trends and developments through trade show attendance and patent/literature reviews.

Skills/ Requirements
  • B.S. in Chemistry with coursework or experience involving polymers.
  • Mechanical aptitude and comfortable working in both wet chemical lab and pilot plant environments.
  • Ability to demonstrate a general understanding of competitive technology, and contribute new ideas and concepts for products and processes.
  • 1-2 years in chemical synthesis from industrial experience, internships or academic research, preferred.
  • Thesis or lab work beyond normal curriculum, preferred.
  • Working knowledge of good laboratory practices.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Laboratory experience is required.
  • Experience with Word and Excel is required.
  • Experience generating and delivering presentations is required.

Other Competencies
  • Analytical; Technical; Team Work; Dependability; Initiative; Innovation; Quantity; Safety and Security; Oral Communication; Written Communication

Excellent Comprehensive Benefit Plan
  • We also have 401K, Profit Sharing and a great Benefit Package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and paid time off (Vacation and Holidays).

Important Notes
Carpenter Co. is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other legally protected characteristic.
Carpenter Co. conducts pre-employment drug testing on all applicants that receive and accept a written offer of employment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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