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Associate Scientist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

As a member of the Regulatory Sciences team, act as Research Associate for PCR molecular analyses for regulatory biosafety studies. Responsible for following experimental and laboratory procedures ...

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Animal Science, or related field preferred. Ability to follow written procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality ...

Industry/Sector Not Applicable Specialism Data Science Management Level Director & Summary The Opportunity As an AI & GenAI Data Scientist-Director, you will leverage advanced technologies and ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Scientist information

See Iowa salary details

$17

$33

$53

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Iowa is $33.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $38.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 technical skills depending on the complexity of the work.

What degree do you need to be an associate scientist?

An associate scientist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Some positions 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 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in Iowa? For Associate Scientist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Scientist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in IA? For Associate Scientist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,185 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Clinical Scientist - Oncology

Syneos Health/ inVentiv Health Commercial LLC

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Syneos Health rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Clinical Scientist - Oncology

Syneos Health is a leading fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization built to accelerate customer success. We translate unique clinical, medical affairs and commercial insights into outcomes to address modern market realities.

Our Clinical Development model brings the customer and the patient to the center of everything that we do. We are continuously looking for ways to simplify and streamline our work to not only make Syneos Health easier to work with, but to make us easier to work for.

Whether you join us in a Functional Service Provider partnership or a Full-Service environment, you'll collaborate with passionate problem solvers, innovating as a team to help our customers achieve their goals. We are agile and driven to accelerate the delivery of therapies, because we are passionate to change lives.

Discover what our 29,000 employees, across 110 countries already know:

WORK HERE MATTERS EVERYWHERE

Why Syneos Health

  • We are passionate about developing our people, through career development and progression; supportive and engaged line management; technical and therapeutic area training; peer recognition and total rewards program.
  • We are committed to our Total Self culture - where you can authentically be yourself. Our Total Self culture is what unites us globally, and we are dedicated to taking care of our people.
  • We are continuously building the company we all want to work for and our customers want to work with. Why? Because when we bring together diversity of thoughts, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives - we're able to create a place where everyone feels like they belong.

Job Responsibilities

* Works with Medical Director to develop medical plans (Medical Management Plan, Medical Data Review Plan, and Eligibility Review Plan). Engages with outside experts/consultants/advisors to coordinate the acquisition of necessary medical/scientific input to prepare the respective medical plans.

* Performs regular and ad-hoc medical review of data listings and data visualization as needed; analyzes the data to identify risks and data patterns/trends and supports documentation of medical reviews.

* Authors medical data queries and reviews query responses, approves query closure in association with Medical Director.

* May assist Medical Director in patient profiles review, scientific review of other study level data, protocol deviation review, creation of Medical Review Summary report as needed.

* Partners with Medical Directors for medical data review meetings and safety review meetings including slide preparation as needed.

* Manages project scope of work, objectives, and quality of deliverables to ensure the project specific milestones and timelines are met. Serves as primary interface between internal team, customers, and vendors in the areas of medical data review and eligibility review.

* Collaborates with study team members including Clinical Operations, Data Management, Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance, and Project Management (set-up and/or lead meetings as appropriate) to identify risks related to data integrity and subject safety. Escalates ongoing and newly developed study concerns such as at-risk project deliverables and out of-scope tasks to the project leads in a timely manner.

* Attends at Trusted Process meetings and may participate in internal and external audits.

* Acquires basic understanding and knowledge of ongoing protocol designs and disease related terminology and pathology.

* Adheres to all data privacy guidelines, International Committee on Harmonization (ICH), and Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), all enterprise policies, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and project plans. Adheres to customer policies and standard operating procedures, as required in project plans.

We are always excited to connect with great talent. This posting is intended for a [possible] upcoming opportunity rather than a live role. By expressing your interest, you'll be added to our talent pipeline and considered should this role become available.

At Syneos Health, we believe in providing an environment and culture in which Our People can thrive, develop and advance. We reward and recognize our people by providing valuable benefits and a quality-of-life balance. The benefits for this position may include a company car or car allowance, Health benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, Company match 401k, eligibility to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Eligibility to earn commissions/bonus based on company and individual performance, and flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick time. Because certain states and municipalities have regulated paid sick time requirements, eligibility for paid sick time may vary depending on where you work. Syneos complies with all applicable federal, state, and municipal paid sick time requirements.

Salary Range:

The base salary range represents the anticipated low and high of the Syneos Health range for this position. Actual salary will vary based on various factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

Get to know Syneos Health


Over the past 5 years, we have worked with 94% of all Novel FDA Approved Drugs, 95% of EMA Authorized Products and over 200 Studies across 73,000 Sites and 675,000+ Trial patients.

No matter what your role is, you'll take the initiative and challenge the status quo with us in a highly competitive and ever-changing environment. Learn more about Syneos Health.

http://www.syneoshealth.com

Additional Information


Tasks, duties, and responsibilities as listed in this job description are not exhaustive. The Company, at its sole discretion and with no prior notice, may assign other tasks, duties, and job responsibilities. Equivalent experience, skills, and/or education will also be considered so qualifications of incumbents may differ from those listed in the Job Description. The Company, at its sole discretion, will determine what constitutes as equivalent to the qualifications described above. Further, nothing contained herein should be construed to create an employment contract. Occasionally, required skills/experiences for jobs are expressed in brief terms. Any language contained herein is intended to fully comply with all obligations imposed by the legislation of each country in which it operates, including the implementation of the EU Equality Directive, in relation to the recruitment and employment of its employees. The Company is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the provision of reasonable accommodations, when appropriate, to assist employees or applicants to perform the essential functions of the job.


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