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Associate Scientist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join our Respiratory Discovery team and contribute to the identification and validation of novel therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases.

Associate Scientist

Cambridge, MA · Hybrid

$86K - $113K/yr

This scientist will have responsibility for executing assays for identification of small molecules therapeutics across UCB's therapeutic areas of interest. They will also help to validate novel ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Scientist information

See Boston, MA salary details

$20

$39

$62

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Boston, MA is $39.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.29 and $44.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 needs 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 the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in Boston, MA?

For Associate Scientist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Associate Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,175 per year, or $39 per hour.

Associate Scientist

AbbVie

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

AbbVie's Immunology R&D organization is expanding its early discovery team at the Cambridge Research Center in Cambridge, MA. We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join our Respiratory Discovery team and contribute to the identification and validation of novel therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases. The Cambridge-based early discovery team integrates human disease transcriptomic and multi-omic data sets with mechanistic in vitro studies to elucidate disease-driving pathways and advance innovative therapeutic strategies. The successful candidate will play a key role in providing support for the implementation and optimization of complex human cell culture systems for the development of cellular assays.

The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, collaborative, enthusiastic, skilled, and dedicated. They should demonstrate a commitment to scientific rigor and teamwork within a fast-paced drug discovery environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Sterile cell culture (cell lines and primary cells)
  • Establish, maintain and characterize primary human and immortalized culture systems relevant to respiratory disease biology, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cell populations
  • Support the generation of complex in vitro cellular models
  • Execute mechanistic cellular assays to investigate pathways involved in airway inflammation and tissue remodeling.
  • Candidates with knowledge of the following techniques will receive extra consideration: flow cytometry, PCR/gene analysis, protein/cytokine measures via ELISA/MSD, western blotting and methods applicable to other lung-related endpoints.
  • Analyze data and present work in internal meetings
  • Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure compliance with electronic laboratory notebook

Key AbbVie Competencies

  • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the team to enable high performance
  • Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated
  • Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo
  • Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement
  • Embraces the ideas of others and nurtures innovation to make possibilities real 
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent education.

  • Theoretical and practical knowledge to carry out job function.
Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this roleat  the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors  including  geographic location, and we may ultimately  pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be  modified in the future. 

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

  • This job is eligible to  participate in our short-term incentive programs.  

Note: No amount of pay is  considered to be wages or compensation until such amount isearned,  vested,  and determinable. The amount and availability of  any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that areallocable to a   particular employee  remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be  modified at the Company's sole and absolutediscretion,  consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html


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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013