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Associate Scientist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Scientist information

See Portland, OR salary details

$19

$38

$60

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Portland, OR is $38.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.32 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Portland, OR are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,244 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

AI & GenAI Data Scientist-Senior Associate

Pwc

Portland, OR

$77K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


PwC rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Industry/Sector

Not Applicable

Specialism

Data, Analytics & AI

Management Level

Senior Associate

Job Description & Summary

The Opportunity
As an AI & GenAI Data Scientist-Senior Associate, you will be at the forefront of transforming raw data into actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making and driving business growth. Within our Technology Consulting practice, you will apply data, algorithms, and software engineering to build and deploy software and platform systems that create Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-based solutions at scale. Your work will involve designing AI systems, data wrangling, and software implementation to enable the AI models to be useful and scalable.
As a Senior Associate, you will focus on building meaningful client connections and learning how to manage and inspire others. You will navigate increasingly complex situations, growing your personal brand and deepening your technical skills. You are expected to anticipate the needs of your teams and clients, delivering quality solutions. Embracing increased ambiguity, you will be comfortable when the path forward isn't clear, using these moments as opportunities to grow.
In this role, you will leverage advanced technologies and techniques to design and develop robust data solutions for clients. Your contributions will be crucial in transforming data into insights, driving business growth, and enabling informed decision-making.
Responsibilities
- Designing and implementing AI systems to transform raw data into actionable insights
- Developing and deploying scalable AI and Machine Learning solutions using advanced technologies
- Collaborating with clients to understand their data needs and deliver tailored solutions
- Utilizing programming languages such as Python and C++ to build robust data models
- Managing data pipelines and confirming data quality and integration across platforms
- Applying machine learning libraries like TensorFlow and Scikit-Learn to enhance model performance
- Conducting complex data analysis to inform strategic decision-making
- Leveraging natural language processing and text analytics for innovative AI applications
- Building and maintaining data infrastructure to support AI-driven automation
- Mentoring junior team members and fostering a collaborative work environment
What You Must Have
- At least a Bachelor's degree
- At least 2 years of experience
What Sets You Apart
- Preference for at least one of the following fields of study: Management Information Systems, Computer and Information Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or Mathematical Statistics, Data Processing/Analytics/Science, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- At least one of the following: Certifications aligned to data engineering, machine learning, and cloud platforms, including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, or related data and AI credentials
- Demonstrating proficiency in AI implementation and machine learning libraries
- Utilizing Python for complex data analysis and modeling
- Excelling in neural network design and reinforcement learning agents
- Applying natural language processing techniques for text analytics
- Leveraging TensorFlow and Scikit-Learn for deep learning projects

Travel Requirements

Up to 80%

Job Posting End Date

The salary range for this position is: $77,000 - $202,000. Actual compensation within the range will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications and location, and applicable employment laws. All hired individuals are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. PwC offers a wide range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401k, holiday pay, vacation, personal and family sick leave, and more. To view our benefits at a glance, please visit the following link: https://pwc.to/benefits-at-a-glanceAs PwC is anequal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at PwC without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity); age; disability; genetic information (including family medical history); veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or, any other status protected by law.PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the future, PwC sponsorship through the H-1B lottery, except as set forth within the following policy: https://pwc.to/H-1B-Lottery-Policy.Learn more about how we work: https://pwc.to/how-we-workFor only those qualified applicants that are impacted by the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable, arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with these laws. At PwC, we recognize that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to responsibilities such as accessing sensitive company or customer information, handling proprietary assets, or collaborating closely with team members. We evaluate these factors thoughtfully to establish a secure and trusted workplace for all.Applications will be accepted until the position is filled or the posting is removed, unless otherwise set forth on the following webpage. Please visit this link for information about anticipated application deadlines: https://pwc.to/us-application-deadlines

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