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

Staff Scientist

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Job Title Staff Scientist Job Type Full-time Location Napa, CA US Roseville, CA 95747 US (Primary) Santa Rosa, CA US Category Science (Environmental) Minimum Education Required Bachelor's Degree ...

These engineers, technicians, scientists and support staff build and maintain BioMarin's cutting-edge manufacturing processes and sites, provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure we ...

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Associate Scientist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

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$39

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How much do associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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 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, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% 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.

Scientist 2, Separations and Biophysics Assays

BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL

Novato, CA

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


BioMarin Pharmaceutical rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

DESCRIPTION
BioMarin is a leading rare disease biotechnology company focused on genetically defined conditions.
Guided by our purpose to develop medicines that make a profound impact on people's lives, our global teams have delivered a portfolio of therapies since our founding in 1997. Our revolutionary treatments for conditions like achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism), PKU (phenylketonuria), CLN2, a form of Batten disease, and a number of forms of MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) offer new possibilities for patients and families who previously had few, if any, available options. More recently, with the close of the Amicus acquisition, our portfolio has expanded to include therapies for Fabry disease and Pompe disease, expanding our ability to reach more people living with rare genetic conditions.
Our success comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep understanding of patient needs, our scientific expertise, and our world-class manufacturing capabilities. At the heart of BioMarin is a dedicated team of the brightest minds in the industry working together to deliver innovative therapies to patients and families around the world.
About Technical Operations
BioMarin's Technical Operations group is responsible for creating our drugs for use in clinical trials and for scaling production of those drugs for the commercial market. These engineers, technicians, scientists and support staff build and maintain BioMarin's cutting-edge manufacturing processes and sites, provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure we meet regulatory standards, and procure the needed goods and services to support manufacturing and coordinating the worldwide movement of our drugs to patients.

SUMMARY

The Analytical Sciences team within Technical Development Services at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. is seeking Scientist 2to support protein/enzyme replacement therapy, small molecule, peptide and oligo programs. Reporting to the Associate Director of Analytical Sciences, this person will be a member of Glycan Analysis and Biophysical Characterization team.

The successful candidate will lead the development, qualification, transfer, and lifecycle management of analytical methods, with a strong emphasis on glycan characterization and product quality attribute assessment. The role requires hands-on expertise in LC-MS, HILIC, CE, cIEF/icIEF, SEC, IEX, RP chromatography, and other orthogonal analytical techniques to support product characterization, control strategy development, comparability assessments, process and formulation development, and regulatory submissions.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, agile scientist with deep expertise in glycan analysis, a broad analytical background across multiple modalities, and the ability to rapidly learn new technologies. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are essential, as this individual will partner closely with cross-functional teams across Analytical Sciences, Process Development, Formulation Development, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Research in a fast-paced environment. Experience supporting CMC development, regulatory submissions, and compliance with USP, ICH, and global regulatory expectations is highly desirable.

We are seeking a scientifically curious and collaborative analytical scientist who combines deep glycan characterization expertise with the versatility to address diverse analytical challenges across multiple therapeutic modalities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead analytical method development, qualification, transfer, remediation in support of process development and product characterization activities for clinical and commercial portfolio consisting of various modalities across different phases of CMC development.
  • Support pre- and post-IND regulatory submission by authoring and reviewing analytical sections and responding to queries from regulatory agencies.
  • Develop and optimize chromatography-, capillary-, spectroscopy-, and mass spectrometry-based analytical methods with a focus on Glycan Analysis.
  • Prepare, review, and approve analytical and technical protocols and reports.
  • Document experiments, data, and findings electronically in an accessible manner for inspections.
  • Participate in the general lab and instrument maintenance.
  • Mentor junior scientist(s) and research associate(s) in the team as needed.

EXPERIENCE

Required Skills:

  • Strong expertise in glycan characterization and analysis, including method development, qualification, troubleshooting, and data interpretation using LC-MS, CE-based methods, cIEF, HILIC-FLD/MS, and other orthogonal analytical techniques relevant to biologics and complex modalities.
  • Hands-on experience with separation science and mass spectrometry, including LC-MS and chromatographic techniques such as SEC, IEX, RP, and HILIC, along with common detection platforms (UV, CAD, ELSD, FLD, and MS). Ability to integrate data from multiple analytical platforms to solve complex characterization challenges.
  • Experience developing and executing phase-appropriate analytical methods to support drug substance (DS), drug product (DP), formulation development, process characterization, comparability, and control strategy activities across clinical and commercial stages.
  • Broad analytical development experience with biologics and an interest in applying scientific knowledge across multiple molecular modalities and platforms.
  • Working knowledge of USP, ICH, and global regulatory expectations from health authorities including FDA, EMA, PMDA, and other international agencies.
  • Excellent scientific communication skills with demonstrated ability to effectively present data, write technical reports, influence cross-functional teams, and communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with the ability to independently drive investigations and make technically sound, data-driven decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and rapidly learn and apply new analytical technologies and scientific concepts.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience with advanced characterization techniques such as CE-SDS, icIEF/cIEF, intact mass analysis, peptide mapping, glycan profiling, and other mass spectrometry-based workflows.
  • Familiarity with small molecules and conjugated molecules, analytical techniques and characterization approaches is a plus.
  • Experience authoring, reviewing, or supporting regulatory submissions, including INDs, BLAs, MAAs, and responses to health authority questions.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, expand technical expertise beyond a primary specialty area, and contribute across a broad range of analytical activities.

EDUCATION

Scientist 2:

PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 4+years of relevant post-graduate experience.

(OR)

Master's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 8+ years of relevant post-graduate experience.

Sr. Scientist 1:

PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 6+ years of relevant post-graduate experience.

(OR)

Master's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 10+ years of relevant post-graduate experience.

CONTACTS

Will report to Associate Director of Analytical Sciences and interface with internal department leaders and external partners from Research and Early Development, Technical Development, Quality, and Regulatory

ONSITE, REMOTE, OR FLEXIBLE

Full-time onsite Mon-Friday in Novato, CA

TRAVEL REQUIRED

None to minimal (0-5%). Occasional travel is only based on business needs.


Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


Employment Type: Fulltime-Regular

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