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Associate Scientist Jobs in Elburn, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fermilab

Research Associate

Batavia, IL · On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Research may be within any scientific or technology development activity of the appointee ... Associate Scientist. Additional Skills That Will Set You Apart: * Laser cooling or atom ...

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All JobsAssociate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs in Elburn, IL

Associate Scientist information

See Elburn, IL salary details

$18

$35

$56

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Elburn, IL is $35.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.60 and $40.48 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.
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What cities near Elburn, IL are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs?

Cities near Elburn, IL with the most Associate Scientist job openings:

Associate Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Elburn, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,995 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Associate Principal Scientist, Analytical & Material Science

Tate & Lyle

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

$71K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Tate & Lyle rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 444 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

At Tate & Lyle, our purpose is simple: Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food. We partner with leading food and beverage brands around the world to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that consumers love. Backed by more than 165 years of innovation, our people are passionate about making a positive difference for customers, communities and the planet.
If you're looking to be part of a purpose-led organization where your work can have a real impact, read on to learn more about this opportunity and how you can help shape the future of food.
About the Role
We are looking for an Associate Principal Scientist in Analytical Material Science to strengthen our team and expertise in material characterization and ingredient functionality. This role focuses on understanding how microstructure and physical properties drive product texture, sensory perception, stability, and performance. Using rheology, tribology, microscopy, and advanced data science, you will transform complex experimental data into actionable insights that accelerate innovation. This role balances hands-on advanced laboratory analysis with cross-functional project leadership.
Beyond technical excellence, you will bring a strong customer service mindset, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to understand scientific and business needs, provide clear recommendations, and deliver high-quality analytical insights that enable successful product development and customer solutions. Success in this role requires the ability to combine scientific rigor, effective communication, and customer-focused problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead characterization of ingredients and multiphase food systems using advanced material science techniques, including rheology, tribology, microscopy, particle characterization and related material science techniques.
  • Utilize and maintain high-end physical and chemical profiling tools such as rheometers, tribometers, particle size analyzers and microscopy (SEM/optical microscopes).
  • Design and execute experiments to understand structure-function relationships and the impact of ingredient composition, processing, and formulation on product performance.
  • Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods and characterization workflows.
  • Apply DoE, multivariate statistics, and data science tools to analyze complex datasets and identify key drivers of ingredient functionality.
  • Build predictive models linking material properties and microstructure to texture, sensory attributes, stability, and processability.
  • Partner closely with Product Development, Application Science, Process Engineering, Regulatory, and Sensory teams to solve complex formulation challenges and scale up pilot operations.
  • Act as the subject matter expert for technical sales and customer-facing teams, providing scientific guidance, supporting customer engagements, and translating complex material science data into actionable insights and customer-focused solutions.
  • Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the growth of analytical and material science capabilities.
  • Communicate technical findings effectively through presentations, reports, scientific publications, and stakeholder discussions.

Key Competencies
  • Scientific curiosity and problem-solving mindset
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Data science and statistical modeling capabilities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across functions
  • Technical leadership and mentoring capability
  • Project management and prioritization skills
  • Ability to translate complex scientific insights into business impact

Qualifications
  • PhD in Material Science, Food Science, Polymer Science, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
  • 3+ years (or 6+ years with a Master's degree) of experience in industrial or applied research within food ingredients, food technology, biomaterials, or related sectors.
  • Proven track record in food physics, soft matter rheology, and the structural properties of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
  • Proficient in Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical software platforms (e.g., Minitab, Python, R, or JMP) for multivariate data analysis.
  • Preferably knowledgeable in analytical chemistry, such as mass spectrometry, chromatography and other techniques.

What we can offer you
Tate & Lyle complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency. When determining final compensation, we take into consideration: skillset, job scope, knowledge, prior experience, cost of living, market data, budget availability, and other factors as permitted by law.
The salary range for this position is: $71,000 - $104,000.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes but is not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision coverages
  • Paid time off package, including vacation, sick time, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave
  • 401K with company match
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Additional benefits at not cost to employee such as: Lifestyle Spending Account, Identity Theft protection, Employee Assistance Program, telemedicine and more!

In addition to your Total Rewards, culture and ED&I are very important to Tate & Lyle. We offer multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that support various communities.
#LI-RF1
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")
The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.
Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

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