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Associate Scientist Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL (NOW HIRING)

Using strong scientific and organizational skills, and hands-on experience with in vitro model development and use, the successful candidate is expected to impact risk assessment for novel ...

Using strong scientific and organizational skills, and hands-on experience with in vitro model development and use, the successful candidate is expected to impact risk assessment for novel ...

Using strong scientific and organizational skills, and hands-on experience with in vitro model development and use, the successful candidate is expected to impact risk assessment for novel ...

As an Associate Data Scientist, you will be a core member of a high-performance team of data engineers and architects focusing on driving technology innovation and continuous improvement. This role ...

As an Associate Data Scientist, you will be a core member of a high-performance team of data engineers and architects focusing on driving technology innovation and continuous improvement. This role ...

As an Associate Data Scientist, you will be a core member of a high-performance team of data engineers and architects focusing on driving technology innovation and continuous improvement. This role ...

AbbVie Information Research is seeking an Associate Data Scientist with focus on Knowledge Graph Engineering to design, build, and maintain the semantic data infrastructure that connects information ...

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Associate Scientist information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$18

$35

$57

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Mount Prospect, IL is $35.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.69 and $40.58 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 job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in Mount Prospect, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Mount Prospect, IL are:

What cities near Mount Prospect, IL are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Mount Prospect, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,237 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Associate Scientist I/II, In Vitro Pharmacology

North Chicago, IL • On-site


AbbVie
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


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
Job description:
We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist, in-vitro Pharmacologist, who will make contributions to the design, execution, and communication of novel multi-disciplinary research in a highly collaborative Migraine and Pain drug discovery program. Primary responsibilities of the successful candidate will be to conduct basic science studies for the pharmacological evaluation of novel compounds and biologics, as well as to assist in the development of assays and approaches for target engagement and translational biomarkers. He/She will also contribute to the development of new cellular models representative of human disease and will generate high-quality data reports to support the identification and development of novel therapeutics.
Key Responsibilities Include:
  • Contributing to the cellular evaluation of novel therapeutics to treat migraine and other pain related disorders.
  • Contributing to the development of translatable assays/models.
  • Effectively organizing schedule to facilitate acute and longitudinal studies.
  • Formulating novel therapeutics cellular/ex vivo assays.
  • Generating detailed and accurate reports of study outcomes.
  • Adaptable, creative, and quantitative thinking.
  • Opportunities to expand skillset to new approaches and technologies will be available.
  • The successful candidate will be responsible for being an active contributor to Pain related programs in an exciting, fast-paced team environment.

Qualifications
Qualifications
  • Associate Scientist I: Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent Education.
  • Associate Scientist II: Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent education, with typically 3 or more years' experience or Master's Degree or equivalent education (no additional experience).
  • Minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree or similar in Neuroscience, Biology or other relevant natural sciences.
  • Hands-on experience in the laboratory, aseptic techniques, and working with cellular models and plate-based assays is a requirement.
  • Experience with genetic, molecular, and histochemistry techniques (e.g., RNA isolation and biomarker quantification by RT-PCR, CRISPR editing, capillary electrophoresis) or ex vivo techniques.
  • Ability to contribute independently but also integrate well into a team to work across multiple scientific disciplines and functions.
  • Ability to independently generate precise, reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner.
  • Desire to take on additional responsibilities to progress career.
  • Ability to work in a highly collaborative scientific environment with strong communication skills.
  • Experience in drug discovery and primary/iPS cell cultures is a plus.

Key Competencies:
  • Builds strong relationships with peers to enable higher performance.
  • Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated.
  • Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
  • Open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
  • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.

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

AbbVie logo

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


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Pay

Benefits

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