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Chemistry Research Associate Jobs in Decatur, GA

Senior Scientist

Conyers, GA · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

... GSF associates. * Responsible for developing sensory profile for new products. Assists with ... research and development experience, with an understanding of food chemistry, food safety, and ...

Microbiology Lab Tech

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Labstat - A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp ... Associate degree in Life Science or two years of laboratory experience, preferred * Broad knowledge ...

Service Shop Technician

Norcross, GA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Associates or bachelor's degree in the STEM fields (Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or ... We have a global footprint with R&D and manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and Asia. We ...

... through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ... 200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers ...

... through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ... 200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers ...

Service Shop Technician

Norcross, GA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Associates or bachelor's degree in the STEM fields (Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or ... We have a global footprint with R&D and manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and Asia. We ...

Showing results 41-53

Chemistry Research Associate information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$15

$31

$45

How much do chemistry research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemistry research associate in Decatur, GA is $31.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.58 and $36.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemistry research associate do?

A Chemistry Research Associate supports scientific research projects in chemistry by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and preparing reports. They work under the supervision of senior scientists, often in academic, government, or industrial laboratories. Their responsibilities typically include maintaining laboratory equipment, preparing chemical solutions, and ensuring experiments follow safety protocols. They may also assist in designing experiments and contribute to scientific publications. Overall, Chemistry Research Associates play a crucial role in advancing research and development in the field of chemistry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemistry research associate?

To thrive as a Chemistry Research Associate, you need a solid background in chemistry, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, and proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the accurate conduct of experiments, reliable data interpretation, and successful collaboration within research teams.

What are some common challenges chemistry research associates face when working on collaborative research projects?

Chemistry Research Associates often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as aligning experimental goals, coordinating schedules, and effectively communicating complex data to colleagues from different backgrounds. Adapting to diverse research methodologies and integrating findings into a cohesive project are also frequent hurdles. However, these collaborations provide valuable opportunities to broaden your scientific expertise and develop strong teamwork skills, which are highly regarded in both academia and industry.

What is the difference between Chemistry Research Associate vs Chemist?

AspectChemistry Research AssociateChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic or industry settingsLaboratories, manufacturing, research and development
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical, biotech, academiaPharmaceutical companies, chemical manufacturing, R&D labs

The main difference between a Chemistry Research Associate and a Chemist lies in their roles and experience levels. Research Associates typically support research projects, perform experiments, and assist senior scientists, often with a focus on research support. Chemists may have broader responsibilities, including designing experiments, analyzing data, and developing products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Chemists often have more experience or advanced degrees, enabling them to take on more independent tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemistry Research jobs in Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Chemistry Research jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Decatur, GA?

For Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Decatur, GA are:

Infographic showing various Chemistry Research Associate job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,083 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Golden State Foods rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description
ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS
Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.
The role will adhere to best-in-class methods and practices associated with new product development and scale up to drive process effectiveness and product quality. Additionally, the role will help identify development opportunities and work collectively with the R&D Managers to develop the team's technical acumen (including mentoring and coaching). The role will also assist in formulating and administering the division's short- and long-range goals and objectives for business growth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Works in concert with Sales/Culinary/Customer to facilitate the development of new products or the duplication of target products to meet customer needs and to ensure compliance with established quality standards.
  • Effectively leads new projects from the team's initiation through commercialization. This work could include creating and maintaining timelines, managing stakeholders, formulating, scale-up, finished product testing, and specification validation. Provides technical support to manufacturing sites for product batching and processing.
  • Responsible for development of processing procedures for new products and revisions to existing products as needed. Provides on-site and off-site support of scale-ups tests, first productions and quality assurance practices of the developed product through the commercialization process and identify areas for improvement to facilitate department operations. Can include Customers on-site support of productions.
  • Communicates outside business customer's requirements to various departments within GSF, such as PD, QA, and Manufacturing. Also, meets with customers to understand and verify their expectations, as needed. Acts as technical expert (SME) and liaison between customer and internal cross-functional groups
  • Supports the Assured Supply program in vetting new/alternative materials and suppliers for raw materials in compliance with established quality assurance standards.
  • Independently works to provide bench, lab, and Pilot Plant related work activities to support product/process improvements, continuity of supply, and cost improvements.
  • Maintains laboratory, including upkeep of equipment, stocking of supplies and general cleaning of work areas.
  • Develops specifications for new products based on theoretical and analytical testing that yield sustained results.
  • Coordinates the presentation of new concepts and plays an integral role with the Sales team in executing the Customer Formula Selection Process. This includes presenting samples to the appropriate stakeholders for evaluation and following up with the appropriate GSF associates.
  • Responsible for developing sensory profile for new products. Assists with preparation for and execution of difference and preference tests (9-point scale, triangle test, duo-trio test, JAR scale, etc.).
  • Identifies development opportunities and works collectively with the PD. Managers to develop the team's technical acumen (including mentoring and coaching). Provides timely technical advice and oversight to junior PD members.
  • Studies methods to improve quality of food such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value and convenience in support of strategic objectives.
  • Supports the development of processes and tools with the help of PD Managers based on a Continuous Improvement mindset. Among many things, this aspect could include the development of Standard Operating Practices (SOPs), utilizing Lean and Six Sigma principles, and training others.
  • Supports the development and execution of technical strategy. Advises Managers on technical barriers and opportunities. Provides ideas on potential solutions.
  • Supports training for new technologists, demonstrating lab safety, procedures and techniques.
  • Performs other related and assigned duties, as necessary.
  • Up to 25% travel

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to
Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university.

Experience:
  • 5+ years of food research and development experience, with an understanding of food chemistry, food safety, and related regulations.
  • Functional culinary knowledge. Must be able to ideate alongside and interpret culinary driven concepts.
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and experience in interacting with customers.
  • Must have experience in project management and be able to collaborate with project teams and support groups.
  • Extensive knowledge base in one or more of the following areas preferred: hydrocolloids, emulsions, salad dressings, dipping sauces, tomato paste based products, syrups, liquid product processing methods, and/or related technologies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):
  • Food testing concepts and techniques (E)
  • Food microbiology (J)
  • Sensory analysis (J)
  • Benchtop procedures (E)
  • Lab equipment operation and maintenance (J)
  • Raw materials/product interaction (J)
  • Food safety concepts and techniques (E)
  • Food regulations (J)
  • Culinary acumen (J)
  • Food processing equipment and techniques (J)
  • Quality assurance concepts and techniques (J)
  • Technical problem solving (E)
  • Experimental design (J)
  • Pilot plant equipment (E)
  • Pilot paperwork (J)
  • Safety (E)

Skill and ability to:
  • Strong Scientific and statistical skills
  • Expert problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in designing, planning, and executing successful design of experiments (DOE)
  • Effectively utilizes the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
  • Ability to learn other key PC software, including systems housing technical specifications, ERP reporting, communication/file sharing programs (such as Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, etc....). and shared project management tools.
  • Translate culinary direction into feasible formula and process: Should have a broad understanding/familiarity with the culinary function coupled with the ability to transform information from that function into an operationally feasible formula and technical process.
  • Experience in method development to measure critical quality properties to achieve sustainable results.
  • Act in accordance with GSF's Values and Creed

WHY JOIN US
Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.
Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:
  • People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
  • Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
  • People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
  • Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
  • Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our company values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where every person is supported and empowered to thrive.

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