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Associate Scientist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Tombras

Associate Director, Data Science

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$56K - $56K/yr

Tombras, a 600+ person, full-service, national advertising agency with a digital mindset, is seeking an Associate Director, Data Science. You'll be joining one of the top independent agencies in ...

McKesson

Clinical Program Scientist I

Nashville, TN · Remote

Leads disease program related meetingswith oversight from Associate Director, as appropriate ... Assists with scientific slide deck creationfor SCRI related useby Program Director * Develops ...

McKesson

Clinical Program Scientist I

Nashville, TN · Remote

Leads disease program related meetingswith oversight from Associate Director, as appropriate ... Assists with scientific slide deck creationfor SCRI related useby Program Director * Develops ...

Mckesson

Clinical Program Scientist I

Nashville, TN · Remote

Leads disease program related meetingswith oversight from Associate Director, as appropriate ... Assists with scientific slide deck creationfor SCRI related useby Program Director * Develops ...

Munich Re

Data Scientist, AI

Chattanooga, TN · On-site +1

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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All JobsAssociate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs in Tennessee

Associate Scientist information

See Tennessee salary details

$17

$32

$52

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Tennessee is $32.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.29 and $37.07 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.
More about Associate Scientist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in Tennessee? For Associate Scientist jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Associate Scientist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in TN? For Associate Scientist jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Tennessee 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 $67,820 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Associate Scientist - Epigenetic Basis of Pediatric Brain Disease - Jamy Peng Lab

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

$65K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 1,054 rated hospitals

Job description

The Associate Scientist performs a variety of moderately complex research tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research project/study. Also, performs tasks related to the research project independently, but within broad guidelines and subject to periodic review by supervisor or other research staff.
The lab of Jamy Peng in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking an Associate Scientist to investigate how genomic DNA organization and gene regulation within stem cells influence their function and identity, explore chromatin structure, histone modifications, and their impact on gene expression in stem cells, and contribute to uncovering the molecular basis of pediatric cancer and normal development.
The ideal candidate will have the following:
  • Strong background in developmental biology, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or closely related fields.
  • Deep understanding of epigenetics, including: chromatin structure and organization; histone modifications; epigenetic regulation of gene expression; protein-RNA interactions in stem cells
  • Hands-on experience with techniques commonly used to interrogate epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, CRISPR-based perturbation, imaging assays, stem cell assays).
  • Strong competence in designing, executing, and troubleshooting independent experiments using existing or newly developed protocols.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Independently perform experiments using existing, modified, or newly developed techniques/ protocols.
  • Set up protocols using new or modified laboratory techniques and troubleshoot experiments independently.
  • Identify experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem; process, organize, and summarize data; report results.
  • Assist in the drafting and editing of manuscripts, posters, SOPs, and policies.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the field and related techniques.
  • Provide ongoing support for monitoring, maintenance, ordering, and purchasing of equipment and supplies as needed.
  • Perform calibration of instruments and equipment as necessary.
  • Provide guidance and training to less-experienced team members and may also train others outside lab in relevant techniques.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area

Minimum Experience:
  • 7 + years of research experience is required
  • 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master's degree
  • 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD
  • Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred
  • Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred
  • Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred
  • Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Please direct your questions and application package, including a cover letter, current CV, and 3 letters of reference to: jamy.peng@stjude.org.
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Scientist - Epigenetic Basis of Pediatric Brain Disease - Jamy Peng Lab.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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