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Associate Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Associate Principal Scientist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site +1

$80K - $167K/yr

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join IQVIA Laboratories in Indiana. We hire passionate innovators who drive healthcare forward through thoughtful and inclusive collaboration. If ...

Basic Qualifications Requires Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or closely related field plus 2 years' experience as a Research Associate, Science Associate, Research Engineer , or related role.

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Associate Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$17

$34

$54

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Indiana is $34.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.54 and $38.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I use my Associates in science degree for?

An Associate Scientist with a science degree can work in laboratories, research facilities, or quality control environments, performing experiments, data analysis, and sample testing. The degree provides foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, or related fields and often requires familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols.

Is an associate scientist entry level?

An associate scientist position is often considered an entry-level or early-career role in research and development, typically requiring a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. It involves performing experiments, data analysis, and supporting scientific projects, with opportunities for skill development and advancement. However, some organizations may require prior experience or specific certifications depending on the complexity of the work.

What degree do you need to be an associate scientist?

An associate scientist typically holds at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with laboratory skills and experience with scientific tools and techniques.

What are some common challenges an Associate Scientist might face when transitioning from academia to industry?

Associate Scientists moving from academia to industry often encounter challenges such as adapting to a faster-paced environment and focusing on project-driven outcomes rather than open-ended research. In industry, there is a stronger emphasis on teamwork, meeting strict deadlines, and following standardized protocols. Adjusting to these expectations, learning new technologies, and effectively communicating results to cross-functional teams are key areas where new hires may need support.

What does an Associate Scientist do?

An Associate Scientist is a professional who supports research and development projects, typically in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or environmental science. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and document results under the supervision of senior scientists. Associate Scientists play a key role in advancing scientific knowledge and product development by performing laboratory tasks, maintaining equipment, and following established protocols. Their work contributes to discoveries, quality control, and regulatory compliance within their organization.

What Is an Associate Scientist?

An associate scientist takes on more responsibilities than an assistant scientist, supporting research and each experiment under the lead scientist, often in a laboratory environment. As an associate scientist, there are many industries you can work in, including the research field where the lead scientist oversees your project, and you help author papers. Many pharmaceutical companies hire associate scientists to analyze samples to develop drugs and assist with preclinical and clinical studies. Private companies need you to produce specialty chemicals for their clients. Materials scientists at the associate level conduct research and test the properties of metals, plastics, and other materials for their use in new products and packaging. Some positions have duties that include training other team members and overseeing students and fellows.

What is the role of an associate scientist?

An associate scientist conducts research, experiments, and data analysis to support scientific projects within a laboratory or research environment. They often assist senior scientists, follow established protocols, and use laboratory tools and techniques to gather and interpret data. This role typically requires a relevant degree in a scientific field and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Associate Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectAssociate ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field; some roles may require a PhDTypically a Master's or PhD in a related discipline
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, industry settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, industry
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, academia, governmentBiotech, pharmaceuticals, academia, government
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level or mid-level research rolesAdvanced research roles, career progression

Associate Scientists and Research Scientists often work in similar environments within biotech, pharma, or academic sectors. The main difference lies in experience and educational requirements, with Research Scientists typically holding higher degrees and engaging in more independent or advanced research. Both roles are essential for scientific progress, but Research Scientists usually have more responsibility and autonomy in their projects.

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

To thrive as an Associate Scientist, you generally need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant scientific field, along with strong analytical and laboratory skills. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis software, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers. These skills ensure accurate data collection, reliable experimental outcomes, and productive collaboration within research or product development teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Indiana are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Associate Scientist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in IN? For Associate Scientist jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Formulation Associate Scientist Entry Level

Pacelabs

Indianapolis, IN

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Shift:

Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Are you ready to work making the world a safer, healthier place? Join our mission to continuously move science forward; to innovate and advance all aspects of our business to improve the health and safety of our communities and lives.

Overview
This Associate Scientist - Animal Health R&D will provide hands-on support for early and late phase formulation and process development. This Associate Scientist will work under the guidance of senior scientists to execute formulation development studies for sterile injectable and freeze-dried (lyophilized) drug products.

Compensation: $23.00 - 25.00/hr

NOTE: This role is expected to last 12 months

Responsibilities

  • Design, execute, monitor, and document early developability and pre-formulation assessments, including stress testing, compounding screening, and formulation development studies
  • Ensure experimental work is well designed, executed, and documented with clear objectives and high-quality scientific standards
  • Organize and execute accelerated and real-time stability studies in accordance with established methods, protocols, and applicable regulatory guidelines
  • Utilize biophysical and analytical tools, including DSC, DLS, Zetasizer, viscometry, and particle analysis, to characterize drug candidates and evaluate physicochemical properties
  • Support process development activities for a variety of dosage forms, including sterile injectable and lyophilized products
  • Accurately collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support formulation and process development decisions
  • Independently operate and perform basic troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation and equipment relevant to assigned work
  • Recognize, communicate, and support the investigation of atypical results, equipment issues, and experimental deviations as needed
  • Accurately document experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
  • Collaborate with scientists, cross-functional teams, and manufacturing partners to support the successful translation of laboratory findings into development programs
  • Participate in project meetings and contribute technical input, study updates, and experimental findings
  • Adapt to evolving project priorities and support multiple studies in a dynamic research and development environment
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory work environment and encourage safe laboratory practices
  • Contributes to a cohesive team environment and maintains a positive attitude

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
  • 0-2 years of relevant experience (including internships or undergraduate research) in a laboratory setting, preferably involving biologics or biopharmaceutical products.
  • Hands-on experience working with standard laboratory equipment
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and high learning agility
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate within cross-functional teams
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting and presenting technical data
  • Demonstrated ownership with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently

Additional Preferences:

  • Familiarity with or exposure to analytical characterization techniques (e.g., SEC, HPLC, DLS, DSC, etc.)
  • Exposure to protein formulation or lyophilization (freeze-drying) processes
  • Experience using basic statistical tools or Excel for data organization and visualization
  • Experience maintaining electronic laboratory notebooks
  • Ability to adapt flexibly and work effectively with others
  • Motivation to learn and grow within pharmaceutical science and development

Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.

Benefits
When you join Pace, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.