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Associate Scientist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Headquartered in Amelia, Ohio, and with associates located across the United States, we are part of ... Join our dynamic, centralized Data Science team as we execute our AI/ML roadmap! We focus on ...

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Associate Scientist information

See Michigan salary details

$16

$31

$50

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Michigan is $31.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $35.62 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Associate Scientist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in MI? For Associate Scientist jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,128 per year, or $31.3 per hour.
Senior Associate Scientist

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Charles River Laboratories rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Overview

A Research Scientist I functioning in the role of Method Developer within these disciplines is responsible for execution of complex method development and validation studies utilizing appropriate laboratory instrumentation and software. They are also responsible for performing data analysis and providing accurate summaries of method development experiments. All procedures will be performed and documented in compliance of regulatory standards. They understand the necessary compliance to ensure quality data is produced as well as understand the regulatory and GxP requirements and industry standards within their discipline. The Research Scientist I is responsible for ensuring the scientific integrity of their studies, meeting study timelines, and maintaining active communication/collaboration. They can recognize and communicate method and data issues on study. They will assist laboratory investigations and process improvement initiatives as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Efficiently perform and document all procedures, materials and results in compliance with applicable regulatory standards as applicable (protocols, methods, SOPs, etc.) Execute review and approval of data with oversight for final scientific/technical decisions within a single operational area.
  • Effectively demonstrates the behaviors and performance characteristics as described in the CRL DNA.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills through both informal and formal discussions with peers, supervisor, team and across the organization.
  • Actively communicate and effectively collaborate across operational areas in order to adhere to timelines and produce quality data.
  • Assist with the completion of laboratory investigations, assay troubleshooting, quality observations, and problem solving of technical and/or regulatory issues with minimal oversight.
  • Efficiently develop and validate quantitative/qualitative methods/procedures with increased complexity/scope in one operational area with minimal oversight.
  • Independently and accurately perform data analysis in appropriate software for a majority of analytical platforms within an operational area.
  • Independently and efficiency operate laboratory instruments including their respective software applications for 1-2 analytical platforms within an operational area.
  • Develop and maintain critical thinking, troubleshooting and time management skills aligned with needs of operational areas.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently recognize method and/or data issues and communicate them to management to minimize study impact.
  • Independently prepare accurate summaries of method development data.
  • Independently and accurately write both study and non-study deviations.
  • Develop and maintain understanding of regulatory and GXP requirements, industry standards and company SOPs within one operational area.
  • Effectively assist in leading the lab staff in the completion of method validation studies as required by operational area.
  • Provide support to staff members as required by operational area as needed.
  • Actively participate in internal process improvements, presentations and harmonization efforts.
  • This is not a lab based position and is sponsor facing.
Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) with 5-7 years of relevant working experience. Master’s degree (MS) with 1-2 years of relevant work experience. Doctorate degree (PhD) with no experience
  • Flow Cytometry experience required.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels inside and outside the organization
  • Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Computer skills, commensurate with Essential Functions, including the ability to learn a validated system
  • Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice
  • Ability to work under specific time constraints.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.
     


Workplace Requirements

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform general office and/or laboratory procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing, or sitting for long periods of time, typing/entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
  • While performing the duties of this job the employee may occasionally be required to wear protective clothing (goggles, face shield, surgical mask, cap, gloves, scrubs, boots), work near toxic or caustic chemicals, work with biohazards, and/or work with live animals with risk of exposure to allergens and/or zoonotic diseases.
  • The employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, unpleasant odors, and/or wet, humid and/or extreme temperature conditions.

The pay rate for this position is $80k/year.

About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market.  Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.


About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life.  Based on your position these may include:  bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For more information, please visit www.criver.com.


What Charles River Laboratories employees say

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Charles River logo

About Charles River

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1947