1

Associate Scientist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Scientist, Flow Cytometry (3 Month Contract) Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate with deep expertise in flow cytometry to join our team on a 3 month contract ...

New

Scientist, Flow Cytometry (3 Month Contract) Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate with deep expertise in flow cytometry to join our team on a 3 month contract ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Scientist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$20

$39

$62

How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientist in Santa Rosa, CA is $39.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.48 and $44.66 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 are popular job titles related to Associate Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Associate Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Associate Scientist jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Associate Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Scientist job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,697 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

QC Associate Scientist - CMC Analytical - Weekend Shift

LGC Group

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$28.12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Axolabs is a business unit of LGC, and a leading provider of CRO / CDMO capability to the therapeutic oligonucleotide discovery and development industry. Centred out of LGC's site in Kulmbach, Germany, Axolabs works closely with its customers to assist the identification and development of lead candidates with a broad suite of bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, manufacturing and analytical services that support discovery, pre-clinical and clinical trials and scale-up manufacture. With a track record in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics that traces back more than 20 years, Axolabs provides deep knowledge and expertise in the services it provides, working collaboratively and responsively with its clients to assist them in achieving their objectives.
Axolabs facility in Petaluma is focused on manufacturing scale-up and production to cGMP of multigram to kilograms of API for pre-clinical and clinical development. Our site in California has been involved in oligonucleotide synthesis for three decades and established the therapeutics activity in 2019. With around 70 staff and two manufacturing trains, Axolabs offers a flexible manufacturing service out of Petaluma that draws where necessary on our industry and chemical and analytical expertise in Kulmbach.
Job Description
This is an Weekend Shift: Friday-Sunday (3 x 12 hours, 7am - 7:30pm).
The QC Associate Scientist brings scientific experience to LGC and is open to both learning more and sharing knowledge with others. You will be part of an ambitious and collaborative team that strives for flawless execution in all tasks.
  • Setting up instrument sequences, while monitoring analysis and data
  • Performing instrument troubleshooting, maintenance, and reporting of results for timely delivery to internal and external collaborators
  • Coordinating routine and stability analysis, while driving continuous improvement via analytical methodologies
  • Maintaining appropriate quality control processes and procedures to determine accuracy and precision of analysis
  • Demonstrating a familiarity with GMP guidelines 21 CFR Part 210/211 and ICHQ7

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Science degree in Chemistry, Biology or similar with 2 years lab experience in manufacturing
  • Must have strong organic chemistry and/or analytical chemistry knowledge, and proficiency in associated analytical techniques; HPLC, LC-MSMS or GC-MS
  • Proficient in cGMP
  • Solid understanding of analytical manufacturing support

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in size exclusion, ion exchange, and reverse phase chromatography, KF, FT-IR and NMR techniques preferred

Additional Information
What we offer (US based-employees):
  • Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
  • FSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
  • Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
  • Company-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
  • Pet Insurance for our furry friends
  • Enhanced Parental leave of 8 additional weeks
  • PTO that begins immediately
  • Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Company wide social events and much more!

The typical pay range for this role is:
Minimum: $ 28.12 /Hourly
Maximum: $ 43.19 /Hourly
This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the California -based position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as: experience, skills, and location.
ABOUT LGC:
LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers' products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.
OUR VALUES
  • PASSION
  • CURIOSITY
  • INTEGRITY
  • BRILLIANCE
  • RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.
This position requires current U.S. work authorization. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship for temporary visas (including H-1B, H-2B, OPT, O-1, TN)
For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com
#scienceforasaferworld