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Associate Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Novartis

Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Durham, NC

$93K - $174K/yr

The Expert, Science & Technology - Upstream/Cell Culture, is responsible for cell & gene therapy (AAV and LVV) upstream process development, optimization and scaling up/down, process characterization ...

KBI Biopharma, Inc.

Scientist I

Durham, NC · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Mentor and train junior scientists and associates. * Perform peer reviews of data and reports related to method development, qualification, and validation, as well as material characterization and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Associate Scientist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$18

$34

$55

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Raleigh, NC is $34.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.12 and $39.71 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.
More about Associate Scientist jobs

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For Associate Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

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Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Associate Scientist job openings:

Associate Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,637 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Associate Director of Autonomous Science

NCSU

Raleigh, NC • On-site, Remote

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead design and operation of end-to-end autonomous experimentation workflows across SPEED's robotic laboratories.

  • Translate scientific goals into closed-loop systems spanning experimental design, robotic execution, measurement, analysis, interpretation, and AI-guided experiment selection.

  • Serve as scientific leader and primary point of contact for researchers using SPEED's autonomous experimentation capabilities.

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194818EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Associate Director of Autonomous Science Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience ($110,000 - $125,000) Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (additional work outside of standard hours may be required due to business needs) Job Location Raleigh, NC Department University Interdisciplinary Programs About the Department
The Self-driving Platforms for Expedited Experimental co-Design (SPEED) Programmable Cloud Laboratory is a $20 million National Science Foundation-funded national research infrastructure led by NC State University. Located in Woodson Hall, SPEED will provide academic, government, and industry researchers with remote access to integrated self-driving laboratories for accelerated discovery and development of advanced functional materials and molecules.
SPEED brings together expertise in laboratory automation, artificial intelligence, experimental science, data engineering, cybersecurity, and workforce development. The facility will operate a suite of autonomous experimental platforms through a shared digital infrastructure, enabling users to design, execute, monitor, and analyze experiments remotely. SPEED is supported by collaborators at NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, MIT, industry partners, and an initial national network of academic users.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Associate Director of Autonomous Science will contribute to advancement of the scientific and engineering vision for SPEED's autonomous laboratories, helping transform how experiments are designed, executed, analyzed, and optimized. This is a highly collaborative leadership role at the intersection of science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced laboratory automation.

The Associate Director will coordinate the translation of complex scientific questions into closed-loop autonomous experiments that combine AI-driven planning, robotic experimentation, multimodal characterization, data analysis, and scientific reasoning. Working with SPEED scientists, engineers, researchers, and external users, the position will shape new capabilities, guide high-impact research programs, and ensure that autonomous experiments deliver rigorous, reproducible, and scientifically meaningful results.

Primary Responsibilities:

Autonomous Science and Engineering Leadership
  • Lead design and operation of end-to-end autonomous experimentation workflows across SPEED's robotic laboratories.
  • Translate scientific goals into closed-loop systems spanning experimental design, robotic execution, measurement, analysis, interpretation, and AI-guided experiment selection.
  • Define requirements for integrating synthesis, processing, characterization, optimization, and autonomous decision-making.
  • Advance Bayesian optimization, active learning, machine learning, scientific models, genetic algorithms, and AI agents in physical laboratory systems.
  • Establish standards for controls, validation, uncertainty quantification, reproducibility, metadata, and experimental provenance.
  • Evaluate AI-generated recommendations for scientific validity, feasibility, safety, and alignment with research objectives.
  • Drive improvements in SPEED's reliability, throughput, autonomy, and scientific capabilities.
Scientific Program and User Engagement
  • Serve as scientific leader and primary point of contact for researchers using SPEED's autonomous experimentation capabilities.
  • Translate user questions into defined experimental objectives, strategies, and success criteria.
  • Assess project feasibility and develop experimental plans, autonomous campaigns, analysis strategies, and validation approaches.
  • Partner with researchers and engineers to execute projects, interpret results, and resolve scientific and technical challenges.
  • Lead reviews of experimental results, AI recommendations, uncertainty, emerging hypotheses, and next steps.
  • Develop sustained research partnerships with academic, government, national laboratory, and industry organizations.
Expansion of SPEED Scientific Capabilities
  • Lead development and integration of new autonomous laboratory capabilities, methods, and application areas.
  • Identify opportunities to expand SPEED across chemistry, materials science, catalysis, molecular discovery, formulation, process development, and related fields.
  • Define requirements for robotic platforms, analytical systems, sensors, AI tools, and integrated workflows.
  • Guide new capabilities from concept and prototyping through commissioning, validation, and deployment.
  • Establish benchmarks to evaluate performance, reproducibility, and transferability.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies in laboratory robotics, scientific AI, multimodal characterization, digital twins, agentic systems, and autonomous decision-making.
  • Develop strategies to transfer methods, models, and experimental knowledge across SPEED platforms and partner laboratories.
  • Contribute to strategic planning, equipment investments, partnerships, proposals, publications, and initiatives advancing SPEED's scientific mission.
Research Team Leadership and Technical Coordination
  • Provide scientific direction and mentorship to researchers, platform scientists, and engineering personnel.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning science, robotics, automation, software, data, AI, and facility operations.
  • Set project priorities, milestones, deliverables, and performance expectations.
  • Review experimental plans, autonomous workflows, technical documentation, data products, and scientific conclusions.
  • Lead technical discussions to resolve integration challenges and align scientific and engineering efforts.
  • Establish consistent scientific, software, data, and documentation practices across SPEED platforms.
  • Develop training, workshops, and technical demonstrations for researchers, users, and partners.
  • Represent SPEED at scientific meetings, sponsor reviews, user workshops, advisory activities, and external collaborations.
Other Responsibilities
  • Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline.
  • Five or more years of relevant experience in autonomous experimentation, laboratory automation, robotics, artificial intelligence for science, high-throughput experimentation, or integrated scientific platform development.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience designing and executing experimental research in chemistry, materials science, molecular science, catalysis, process development, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience integrating multiple stages of an experimental workflow, such as synthesis, processing, sample handling, characterization, data analysis, optimization, and experimental decision-making.
  • Experience applying machine learning, Bayesian optimization, active learning, design of experiments, or related computational methods to experimental science.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary scientific and engineering projects involving researchers, engineers, software developers, and technical staff.
  • Experience mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, or technical personnel.
  • Strong record of scientific problem-solving, experimental design, data interpretation, and technical communication.
  • Ability to translate user-defined scientific questions into executable experimental plans and measurable objectives.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with academic researchers, industry scientists, government partners, students, engineers, and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work primarily on site in laboratory and research-facility environments.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing or operating self-driving laboratories, autonomous research platforms, high-throughput laboratories, or remotely accessible scientific infrastructure.
  • Experience integrating laboratory robotics with artificial intelligence, optimization algorithms, analytical instrumentation, and automated data pipelines.
  • Experience with robotic synthesis, liquid handling, flow chemistry, automated materials processing, high-throughput characterization, or multimodal analytical methods.
  • Experience applying AI agents, large language models, scientific knowledge systems, or automated reasoning tools to experimental research.
  • Familiarity with scientific software development, instrument APIs, workflow orchestration, databases, metadata standards, and experimental provenance.
  • Experience commissioning new scientific equipment or moving experimental platforms from prototype development to routine user operation.
  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, patents, software products, or other research outputs related to autonomous science.
  • Experience developing research proposals, technical roadmaps, facility capability plans, or externally funded multidisciplinary programs.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety, robotic workcells, remotely operated experiments, hazardous materials, pressure systems, and unattended laboratory operations.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/18/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112269 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 230101 - Interdisciplinary Programs - SVP EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment ...

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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