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Associate Chemist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

MSD

Chemist I

Rockville, MD · On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field; or an Associate's degree with equivalent applicable work experience. • Internship experience in relative field is ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Chemist I

Rockville, MD

$59K - $87K/yr

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field; or an Associate's degree with equivalent applicable work experience. • Internship experience in relative field is ...

Merck Group

Associate Scientist 2

Rockville, MD · On-site

$27 - $44/hr

Master's Degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, etc.) with 6+ ... Associate Degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, etc.) with 2+ ...

Merck Group

Associate Scientist 2 - 2nd Shift

Rockville, MD · On-site

$27 - $44/hr

Master's Degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, etc.) with 6+ ... Associate Degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, etc.) with 2+ ...

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All JobsAssociate Chemist JobsAssociate Chemist Jobs in Reston, VA

Associate Chemist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$18

$29

$46

How much do associate chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate chemist in Reston, VA is $29.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $32.02 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Chemist jobs in Reston, VA are:
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What job categories do people searching Associate Chemist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Chemist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Chemist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Chemist job openings:
Associate Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Chemist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,354 per year, or $29 per hour.

Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney (Chemistry)

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$225K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Associate Attorney – Patent Prosecution (Chemistry)

Locations: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, DC, Houston, Minneapolis, Newport Beach, New York, Redwood City, San Diego, Wilmington

Direct Counsel is seeking a Patent Prosecution Associate (Chemistry) to join a leading Am Law intellectual property firm. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated attorney to work with cutting-edge technologies and innovative clients across a broad range of chemistry and life sciences matters.

The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background, exceptional analytical and writing skills, and experience handling sophisticated patent prosecution matters in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Responsibilities
  • Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications related to chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and small molecule technologies
  • Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and validity analyses
  • Collaborate with inventors, scientists, and in-house counsel on strategic intellectual property matters
  • Develop and manage global patent portfolio strategies for innovative clients
  • Provide sophisticated legal and technical analysis on complex intellectual property issues
  • Work closely with attorneys and technical specialists in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
  • Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar
  • Registration before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office required
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field required
  • 1–3 years of patent prosecution experience focused on chemistry, small molecule, and/or pharmaceutical technologies
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary range: $225,000 – $260,000, depending on experience and qualifications
  • Hybrid work flexibility
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Technology stipend and wellness initiatives
  • Family-friendly benefits and support resources
  • Collaborative and inclusive firm culture with significant professional development opportunities

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside nationally recognized intellectual property attorneys while advising some of the world’s leading innovators in chemistry and life sciences.