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Associate Research Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Research Scientist information

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How much do associate research scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate research scientist in Reston, VA is $41.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.03 and $48.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Research Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectAssociate Research ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, some experienceMaster's or Ph.D., more extensive research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory or research settings, often in academia or industrySimilar environments, often with increased responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, academiaResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, academia

In summary, an Associate Research Scientist typically holds a bachelor's or master's degree and has limited research experience, working under supervision. A Research Scientist usually has a master's or Ph.D. with more independent research responsibilities. Both roles are common in research-focused industries and share similar work environments, but the Research Scientist position generally requires more advanced credentials and experience.

What does an Associate Research Scientist do?

An Associate Research Scientist is a professional who conducts scientific research and experiments under the supervision of senior scientists. They design and execute experiments, analyze data, and contribute to the preparation of research papers and reports. Typically working in academic, government, or industry settings, Associate Research Scientists help advance knowledge in their field and may also assist in mentoring junior staff or students. Their role often requires specialized knowledge in a scientific discipline and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What are typical collaboration opportunities for an Associate Research Scientist within a research team?

Associate Research Scientists frequently collaborate with senior scientists, research assistants, and sometimes external partners to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results. They often contribute to group meetings, present findings, and may help with manuscript preparation. These roles require strong communication and teamwork skills, as projects are usually interdisciplinary and rely on effective information sharing. Collaboration offers valuable learning experiences and can open pathways for career advancement within the organization.

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

To thrive as an Associate Research Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research, data analysis, and relevant field-specific knowledge, typically supported by at least a master's or PhD degree. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, analytical software (such as MATLAB, R, or Python), and compliance with research protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish outstanding candidates. These competencies ensure rigorous experimentation, accurate data interpretation, and clear collaboration within research teams, all of which drive scientific progress.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? For Associate Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Research Scientist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Research Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Research Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,047 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Associate Research Scientist (PREP0004158)

Associate Research Scientist (PREP0004158)

Johns Hopkins University

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
PREP Research Associate
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title:
Senior Research Associate - Fit-for-Purpose Cellular Measurements for Process Analytical Technologies (U.S. Citizens preferred)
The work will entail:
The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to contribute to cutting-edge research projects aimed at developing process analytical technologies to support cell-based manufacturing and cell-based assays. A successful applicant will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team working with cutting-edge cell analytical technologies within the NIST Biomaterials Group to address critical cell measurement challenges in biotechnology. They will contribute to international standardization efforts in cell characterization, and the development of reference strategies to support reproducibility for cell culture and cell-based assays.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
§ Conduct mammalian cell culture
§ Design and execute cell characterization experiments, develop and conduct data analysis workflows including statistical analyses, and interpret results
§ Ensure that protocols and results are well-documented
§ Present findings at meetings and conferences and prepare manuscripts
§ Collaborate with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
Qualifications
• Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in mammalian cell culture with 1+ year of specialized experience in adherent cells
• 3+ years of experience in mammalian cell health assays (e.g., viability, apoptosis, DNA damage)
• 3+ years of experience in mass spectrometry with 1 year of specialized experience in cell-based metabolomics
• 3+ years of experience in cytometry (e.g., image-based, flow-based)
• Proficiency in operating advanced cell analysis instrumentation and developing protocols
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead research efforts to successfully achieve research goals
• Experience with cell process analytical technologies (e.g., real-time, label-free, non-destructive) (preferred)
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and design of experiment strategies (preferred)
Application Instructions
Please upload the following with your application:
• CV/Resume
*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.
Self portraits
Phone number
Home address/Country
Citizenship status
Languages spoken
Sex/Gender
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

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