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Associate Scientist Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Natera

Associate Scientist R&D

South San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Natera is seeking a skilled and motivated Associate Scientist to join the R&D Platform team, focusing on building scalable assays to advance our product portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess ...

Gilead

Sr Associate Scientist, FPD

Foster City, CA · On-site

$126K - $164K/yr

A Sr. Associate Scientist within FPD may support teams conducting compounding screening to enable drug candidate selection, drug substance physio/chemical property assessment and form selection ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs in San Ramon, CA

Associate Scientist information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

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$64

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in San Ramon, CA is $40.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.15 and $45.67 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.
More about Associate Scientist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in San Ramon, CA? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in San Ramon, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in San Ramon, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in San Ramon, CA are:
What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs? Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Associate Scientist job openings:
Associate Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in San Ramon, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,505 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Associate Scientist, Display Technologies

BigHat Biosciences

San Mateo, CA

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The role: BigHat Biosciences is seeking a curious and motivated Associate Scientist to join the Display Technologies team. This individual will contribute to BigHat's antibody discovery and engineering efforts and help generate high-quality data to improve BigHat's machine learning models using display technologies, working closely with senior scientists and cross-functional teams.
*At BigHat we believe in titles that commensurate with skill set, relative organizational impact, and value contribution; more experienced candidates are encouraged to apply, with the understanding that responsibilities and title would adjust as appropriate. 
  • Support R&D projects advancing display technologies at BigHat that expands BigHat's antibody discovery capabilities and feed its ML models.
  • Lead in the construction and QC of phage and yeast display libraries across diverse antibody formats (VHH, scFv, Fab) using standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, electroporation).
  • Execute phage and yeast display selections using naive and affinity and stability maturation libraries to discover and engineer antibodies with desired therapeutic properties.
  • Express, purify, and characterize display-derived molecules using assays including ELISA, flow cytometry, BLI/SPR, CE-SDS, and others.
  • Analyze selection results and contribute to discussions on next steps and future experimental design.
  • Collaborate with BigHat's Data Science and Machine Learning teams to inform library design and interpret selection data for model training.
  • Present experimental plans and results during regular meetings with manager and science teams.
  • Maintain thorough records using LIMS and electronic notebooks.
  • BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry); relevant internship or research experience welcome.
  • Familiarity with general molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis).
  • Exposure to antibody biology, display technologies (phage or yeast), and protein expression.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow protocols carefully, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain detailed lab records.
  • Effective time management and clear written and verbal communication skills.
  • Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with an eagerness to learn in a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Nice-to-haves include experience with flow cytometry, ELISA, or other binding assays, and familiarity with NGS or automation platforms.
The salary estimated for this position is $120,000 - $135,000 + bonus + options + benefits. Compensation will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Actual compensation will be confirmed in writing at the time of the offer.
What BigHat Offers:
  • Range of health insurance plan options through Anthem and Kaiser (monthly credit if benefit waived)
  • Dental, and vision coverage through Guardian
  • Additional well-being benefits through Nayya, OneMedical, Wagmo, Rula, and more
  • 401(k) with company match 
  • DTO, two weeks of company-wide shutdown, and 12 company holidays
  • Paid parental leave

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