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Associate Scientist Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Aequor

Associate Scientist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Associate Scientist will support protein and antibody production, purification, and analytical activities within the Discovery Protein Science department. This role will primarily support the ...

Orion Group

Associate Scientist I

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Associate Scientist I $36 - $40/hr with medical benefits available at a cost 2 year contract 100% Onsite out of South San Francisco Normal first shift lab hours, Monday - Friday (occasional weekend ...

Aequor

Associate Scientist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

None anticipated The hiring manager is looking for an Associate Scientist with strong molecular biology laboratory experience, specifically someone who has hands-on experience performing Next ...

Cytokinetics

Associate Scientist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$121K - $141K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support pharmacology efforts across muscle biology programs. The ideal candidate is a proactive and collaborative scientist who thrives in a ...

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Associate Scientist, FPD

Foster City, CA · On-site

$109K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

An Associate Scientist within FPD may support teams conducting compounding screening to enable drug candidate selection, drug substance physio/chemical property assessment and form selection ...

Gilead

Associate Scientist, FPD

Foster City, CA · On-site

$109K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

An Associate Scientist within FPD may support teams conducting compounding screening to enable drug candidate selection, drug substance physio/chemical property assessment and form selection ...

Weston Solutions

Associate Scientist 2

Concord, CA · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This EHS Associate Scientist 3 role supports Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives as a hands-on technical contributor, working either as part of a consulting team or embedded with client ...

Weston Solutions

Associate Scientist 2

Concord, CA · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This EHS Associate Scientist 3 role supports Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives as a hands-on technical contributor, working either as part of a consulting team or embedded with client ...

Natera

Associate Scientist R&D

South San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Natera is seeking a skilled and motivated Associate Scientist to join the R&D Platform team, focusing on building scalable assays to advance our product portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess ...

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All JobsAssociate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Associate Scientist information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$22

$43

$70

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Berkeley, CA is $43.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.99 and $49.81 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.
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Associate Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,095 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Associate Scientist - AI and Fundamental Physics

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:
The Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks candidates at the Associate Scientist level (research work performed by associate scientist is similar to assistant professor at a university) with a proven track record of research in AI and fundamental physics, broadly defined. This includes candidates with experience applying methods to solve theoretical or experimental challenges as well as candidates with experience developing statistical or computational methods relevant to fundamental physics. Preference will be given to candidates with an aptitude and interest in connecting with more than one established FPD research area.
SLAC and Stanford have a long history of scientific leadership in AI and fundamental physics. At the same time, this is a growth area for FPD and the successful candidate will help define future directions for AI in FPD, building community at the lab and with researchers on the Stanford campus. This includes integrating with the SLAC-wide AI efforts as part of the Integrated Scientific and Data Intensive Computing Initiative and with the Center for Decoding the Universe, a joint initiative of Stanford Data Science and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC).
Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Develop a world-leading research effort in AI and fundamental physics, as measured by impactful research papers, software, and scientific results.
  • Provide some support / training to the local scientific community.
  • Develop the goals and focus of new and strengthened AI areas at SLAC, centered around lab-wide strategic directions.
  • Grow the base funding in Computational HEP at SLAC to support the selected candidate's program by the end of the Associate Scientist appointment including growing support outside of DOE/HEP and possibly forging partnerships with industry.
  • Mentor postdoctoral research associates and graduate students and provide oversight of engineering and technical staff.

Note: This position is at the Associate Scientist (Tier 2) level. The Associate Scientist is a 3 to 5 year fixed term research staff position. The Associate position is assessed after the 3 to 5 year period with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level. Appointment to the Staff Scientist level requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievement.
Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and three reference letters with the application.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Ph.D. in physics, statistics, computer science, or a related field.
  • At least two years of post-doctoral experience in AI relevant for fundamental physics.
  • Demonstrated knowledge with the standard software tools and computational ecosystems for modern scientific AI.
  • Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.
  • Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through publications.
  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
  • Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research and collaborate in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying state-of-the-art AI tools to HEP data.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop innovative statistical or computational AI tools relevant for HEP.

SLAC Competencies:
  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
  • Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

WORK STANDARDS:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
  • As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Classification Title: Associate Scientist
Duration: Fixed Term
Grade: K
Job code: 1092
The expected pay range for this position is $118,000 to $175,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

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