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Biology Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anthropic

Research Associate, Biology

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

About the role We are hiring Research Associates: early-career bench scientists who will join a small team to help establish our biology research program. You'll work directly alongside senior ...

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How much do biology research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for biology research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Biology Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biology Research Associate, you need a solid background in biological sciences, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, molecular biology tools, and software for statistical analysis such as R or GraphPad Prism is essential. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, meaningful scientific contributions, and effective teamwork in advancing research objectives.

What does a Biology Research Associate do?

A Biology Research Associate assists in scientific research projects in the field of biology by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often work under the supervision of senior scientists and contribute to the planning and execution of research studies. Their responsibilities may also include preparing reports, keeping detailed records, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This role is vital for advancing scientific knowledge and supporting breakthroughs in areas such as genetics, microbiology, and environmental science.

What is the difference between Biology Research Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiology Research AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biology or related field; research experienceAssociate's degree or certification; technical training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research roles, project involvementCompared for technical support, lab procedures

The main difference between a Biology Research Associate and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Research Associates typically hold higher degrees and are involved in designing experiments and analyzing data, whereas Laboratory Technicians focus on routine lab tasks and technical support. Both roles are essential in research and lab settings, but they differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are some common challenges a Biology Research Associate might face when working on collaborative projects?

Biology Research Associates often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as communicating complex scientific concepts to colleagues from different backgrounds or aligning research priorities. Balancing independent work with group deadlines and adapting to shifting project scopes are also common hurdles. However, effective communication, organization, and flexibility can help overcome these challenges and contribute to successful research outcomes.
More about Biology Research Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Biology Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Biology Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Biology Research jobs? The most popular types of Biology Research jobs are:
What states have the most Biology Research Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Biology Research Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Biology Research Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Biology Research Associate jobs are:
Biology Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biology Research Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Research Associate, Biology

Research Associate, Biology

Anthropic

San Francisco, CA

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the team

Anthropic's Life Sciences team is building a world-class research group focused on making fundamental biological discoveries. The team combines cutting-edge AI with hands-on biological research, positioning Anthropic at the forefront of AI-accelerated scientific discovery.

About the role

We are hiring Research Associates: early-career bench scientists who will join a small team to help establish our biology research program.

You'll work directly alongside senior scientists, executing and troubleshooting experiments at the bench while learning advanced techniques in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment. We value curiosity, careful hands, and the willingness to take ownership of a result. Our scientists are eager to teach; we're hiring for motivation and trajectory as much as for existing skill.

This is a fully hands-on bench role - while familiarity with computational biology and bioinformatics is welcome, the role does not involve AI/ML model development.

Key responsibilities
  • Execute molecular biology and biochemistry experiments at the bench under the direction of senior scientists
  • Maintain meticulous, reproducible records and contribute to shared protocols
  • Troubleshoot experiments, propose adjustments, and present results clearly in group meetings
  • Maintain mammalian and bacterial cell lines, materials stocks, and reagent inventories
  • Learn and adopt new techniques rapidly as projects evolve, with training provided
Minimum qualifications
  • Have hands-on research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field
  • Are proficient with foundational molecular biology techniques: PCR, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, and plasmid preparation
  • Have experience with aseptic technique and bacterial or mammalian cell culture, and with nucleic acid extraction, purification, and quantification
  • Follow, document, and adapt experimental protocols with care and precision
  • Are highly motivated, eager to learn, and energized by hands-on bench work
  • Are practical and resourceful - you'd rather find a way through than a reason it can't be done
  • Listen carefully, take feedback well, ask good questions, and are comfortable when priorities shift quickly
  • Are excited to use AI models as a tool at the bench to plan experiments, interpret data, and decide what to try next
Preferred qualifications
  • A BS or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, microbiology, bioengineering, or a related discipline
  • Protein expression and purification experience (e.g., affinity, SEC, IEX)
  • Mammalian cell culture experience, including transfection and stable line maintenance
  • Enzyme kinetics or quantitative biochemical assay development (fluorescence, absorbance, FRET)
  • Next-generation sequencing library preparation experience
  • Familiarity with common bioinformatics workflows and molecular biology software (e.g., sequence analysis, alignment, primer and construct design)
  • Experience using AI tools such as Claude in a research setting - for literature review, protocol drafting, data interpretation, or experimental troubleshooting

This is a rare opportunity to help define how a frontier AI company does biology. You'll learn quickly, work closely with people who want to teach, and see your results feed directly into how the most capable AI models are evaluated and improved.

Apply