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Associate Chemist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Associate, FDA Regulations - DC

Washington, DC · On-site

$365K/yr

Scientific background in analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, or microbiology (strongly ... Associates are rewarded for performance and initiative-67% earned above the Cravath scale in 2024

Umd

Open Rank Faculty

College Park, MD · On-site

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of the University of Maryland invites applications for ... Associate/Full Professor appointments. Applicants must demonstrate the potential to develop ...

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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 12, 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:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Chemist jobs in Reston, VA? For Associate Chemist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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.

Research Associate - Operational Evaluation Division

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is an independent, non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). This position is in our Systems and Analyses Center located in Alexandria, VA just outside Washington, DC. IDA's mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. We are seeking highly motivated and skilled Research Associates to join the Operational Evaluation Division (OED). These roles are crucial in supporting our research projects with robust data analysis, programming, and database management.

Research Associate Position Overview

IDA's Operational Evaluation Division (OED) collaborates with the Department of War (DoW) and other government agencies to independently test and evaluate military technology to provide our warfighters with safe, effective, and usable military systems and ensure taxpayer funds are used appropriately. Research Associates are responsible for conducting research, developing and managing databases, performing data analysis, and generating reports for our national security sponsors. The ideal candidates will have strong programming skills, a solid understanding of database construction and management, and experience in data analysis and reporting.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Assist in the design, planning, observation, and analysis of assessments of military systems.
  • Perform data analysis using statistical or other analytic methods and software tools.
  • Develop, manage, and maintain databases and data management systems to store and organize data.
  • Assist in the preparation of briefings and reports that clearly present findings from analyses.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Education:
    • BS in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related STEM field + 4 years of related experience OR
    • MS in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related STEM field + 2 years of related experience.
  • Strong programming skills.
  • Proficiency in Python, R, or similar data analytics tools and software.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex or technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Must successfully complete a background check.
  • Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for obtaining a TS/SCI clearance. A current clearance is preferred.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
  • Ability to work in both Windows and Linux operating systems.
  • Military or civilian DoW acquisition or test experience.

This Research Associate posting covers multiple openings in the following OED areas:

  • Naval Warfare - Support operational tests of Navy ships, submarines, unmanned platforms, electromagnetic warfare systems, weapons, and combat systems.

  • T&E Capabilities, Partnerships, and Policy (CAP) - Help develop web applications and dashboards for trend analysis across many acquisition programs, and help incorporate LLM-based tools into ongoing analyses.

  • Land & Expeditionary Warfare (LEW) - Support operational and live-fire tests of ground combat vehicles and weapons, artillery and missile systems, tactical communications, helicopters, soldier systems, and air-defense systems, with a focus on operational performance and risk to warfighters.

  • Exercises and Experimentation (EEP) - Help plan, design, and analyze assessments of multi-domain Department of War capabilities, including full-spectrum cyberspace operations, in contested, threat-representative conditions.

  • Space and Strategic Warfare Systems (SSWS) - Help plan, design, and analyze assessments of missile defense, space, software, and AI systems against realistic threats across complete mission threads.

  • Air Warfare - Support the design, planning, and observation of operational tests of fighter and bomber aircraft, uncrewed air vehicles, air-launched weapons, sensors, electronic warfare systems, and command and control systems.

Why work at IDA?

  • Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, parental leave, and 20 days of paid time off;
  • Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF);
  • Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external training, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications;
  • A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance;
  • A brand-new facility located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include cafeteria, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
  • Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes up to $340/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What are the next steps?

  • Complete the application and submit your resume.
  • The application process consists of three interviews.
    • A short screening call with HR;
    • A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and
    • In person interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving a ~30-minute presentation on a research project.
  • Prior to the in-person interview, you will be asked to provide:
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
  • 3 letters of recommendation; and
  • A writing sample.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $83,104-$176,635. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Employment Type: Exempt

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