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Chemistry Research Associate Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Students currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or ... associates can thrive. Join us to grow your skills and be part of a mission that matters.

Students currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or ... associates can thrive. Join us to grow your skills and be part of a mission that matters.

Chemistry Research Associate information

See Reno, NV salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do chemistry research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemistry research associate in Reno, NV is $32.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $36.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemistry research assistant do?

A chemistry research assistant supports scientific experiments and data collection in a laboratory setting. They prepare chemicals, operate laboratory equipment, record results, and assist senior researchers in analyzing data to contribute to ongoing projects.

What can I do with an associate's degree in chemistry?

A Chemistry Research Associate with an associate's degree can work in laboratories performing experiments, data analysis, and supporting research projects. They often assist chemists and scientists, use laboratory equipment, and may need to obtain certifications such as OSHA training; further education can expand career opportunities.

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

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 5 potential jobs for chemistry?

A Chemistry Research Associate can pursue various roles such as analytical chemist, quality control analyst, laboratory technician, process development scientist, or regulatory affairs specialist. These positions often require strong laboratory skills, knowledge of chemical analysis techniques, and familiarity with safety protocols. Opportunities exist in industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, environmental science, and academia.

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.

Is a research associate a good career?

A research associate in chemistry is a valuable role that offers opportunities for skill development in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. It can lead to advanced positions in research, academia, or industry, with career growth often supported by additional education or specialization.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Chemistry Research jobs in Reno, NV? The most popular types of Chemistry Research jobs in Reno, NV are:
What are popular job titles related to Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Reno, NV? For Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Chemistry Research Associate jobs in Reno, NV are:

Staff Research Associate 3 - Chemistry

The University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV • On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Nevada (Reno) rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778.

Job Description

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno is recruiting for a Staff Research Associate 3 position as a Manager of the general chemistry stockroom serving the teaching laboratories. This position will be responsible for supporting the Department of Chemistry research and instructional activities by calibrating, maintaining and modifying scientific instruments and equipment. This position is responsible for instructional assistance by preparing lab experiments in a timely manner within the guidelines prescribed by instructors, maintaining each laboratory in an organized and safe manner, and providing training and guidance to teaching assistants to ensure they operate under the established standard operating procedures and Environmental Health and Safety standards.

The Staff Research Associate 3 responsibilities also include the management of stockrooms during multiple laboratory sections with emphasis on student safety; student employees training and supervision; instructional assistance; preparation of laboratory experiments for various laboratory courses; maintaining and securing laboratory areas; purchasing, stock management, budget and financial management; laboratory safety and hazardous waste management; and other duties as assigned.

The incumbent will follow all relevant policies for laboratory work and for safety at the department, university, state and national levels. This position will report to the Director of Laboratories.

To see the full Class Specifications, visit: 10.769 Class Specification

Essential Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the required area of specialization and two (2) years of professional experience in a research laboratory; OR

  • One (1) year of experience as a Staff Research Associate II in Nevada State service OR

  • An equivalent combination of education and experience

This position requires supervisory experience, knowledge of OSHA laboratory standards and working knowledge of methodology applicable to the field of chemistry.

Pursuant to NRS 284.4066, this position has been identified as affecting public safety. Persons offered employment in this position must submit to a pre-employment screening for controlled substances.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience managing multiple calendars

  • Completion of Analytical Chemistry or Quantitative Chemistry classes

Schedule

  • The typical work schedule is 40 hours, variable hours throughout the week with some late evenings and will require availability to cover instructional stockrooms with current schedules during Fall and Spring semesters (~15 weeks per semester).

  • Some days may be 10-hour shifts but not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Compensation Grade

Grade 33

In classified service, salary is in Grade and Step. The Step is determined based on the Nevada Administrative Code. Salary placement above a Step 01 at initial appointment is determined based on the recruitment, the candidate's qualifications, internal equity and budgets. A request to accelerate salary must be approved by Human Resources and abide by the Nevada Administrative Code.

To view the classified compensation schedules, please visit: Classified Compensation. Select Salary schedule, PP01.

For more information, visit the Classified Salary Calculator

The Perks of PERS

Classified Employees are enrolled in The Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada (PERS) upon hire. The PERS retirement plan is beyond compare. Please visit the Benefit Estimator Retirement Calculator for more information.

Perks of Working at UNR

  • Health insurance options including dental and vision -Health Insurance

  • Life insurance, generous annual and sick leave -Classified Benefits

  • E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offersannual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center

  • Mountain EAPsupports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.

  • Staff Employees' Council (SEC) represents all Classified employees. SEC holds monthly meetings to provide a forum for employees to participate.SEC

Grants-in-aid for Classified Employees

For more information about the Classified Staff Grant-In-Aid Benefit, please visit: Classified Staff Grant-In-Aid Benefit

Classified Employee Family Opportunity Program

Additionally, we offer a Classified Employee Family Opportunity Program for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of classified employees (working at least a 50% full-time equivalent). For more information, please visit: Classified Employee Family Opportunity Program

Contact Information

Beth Jacobsen at (775) 682-8787 or jacobsenb@unr.edu

Exempt

No

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at jobs@unr.edu.

Attach the following attachment(s) to the resume/CV section of your application

Resume/CV - (required) List a detailed description of the major duties that you performed as part of each job. You must demonstrate that you qualify for the position and your education and experience must be clearly documented.

Cover Letter - (optional)

Contact Information for three supervisory references - (required) Please make a note if you do not want your present employer contacted unless necessary to determine your qualifications for the position.

Transcripts - (optional) If you have not graduated, please attach your transcripts to receive education credit for classes you have taken. Credit is given for classes relevant to the position.

Veteran Interview Consideration - (optional) - To receive interview consideration for veterans and veterans with a service-connected disability, proof is required at the time of application. Please attach proof electronically to your application under the Veteran Document(s) section. (Examples of acceptable documents include DD-214, disability letter from Veteran's Administration, etc)

Posting Close Time

This posting will close at 12:00 am on the date listed below. The posting will no longer be available to apply to after 11:59 pm the day prior.

Posting Close Date

07/25/2026

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member's first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person's age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes).

About Us

The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada's original land-grant university, the University serves more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.

Classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 ("Very High Research") university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the "Best National Universities" and "Best National Public Universities." It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times' "Top Colleges for Economic Diversity."

Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada's first medical school - the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe, where education, research, and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The University's physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building, set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus, alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus, known as "University Village," to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.

Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Google's TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada - led by the University of Nevada, Reno - was named one of the inaugural 31 RegionalTechnology and InnovationHubs (TechHubs).Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its territories.Nevada's Tech Hub will strengthen America's lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.

Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that's transforming Nevada's communities and businesses, the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today, the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, support, engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students' cognitive growth and academic achievement - all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.

For more information, please visitthe University's website.

University of Nevada, Reno

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