2

Entry Level Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientists (non-PhD)

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$48K - $110K/yr

This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P51841 Grade: P15 Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036 Research Scientist, II Design and conduct experimental research ...

Research Scientists (non-PhD)

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$48K - $110K/yr

This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P51841 Grade: P15 Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036 Research Scientist, II Design and conduct experimental research ...

Research Scientists (non-PhD)

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$48K - $110K/yr

This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P51841 Grade: P15 Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036 Research Scientist, II Design and conduct experimental research ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do entry level research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level research scientist do?

An entry level research scientist assists in designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments under the supervision of senior scientists. They may collect and interpret data, maintain laboratory equipment, and help prepare reports or publications. Their work is vital for supporting ongoing research projects and gaining foundational experience in scientific methods and procedures. Entry level research scientists often work in fields such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, and their tasks may vary depending on the specific area of research.

What is the difference between Entry Level Research Scientist vs Research Associate?

CriteriaEntry Level Research ScientistResearch Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant fieldBachelor's or Master's, often with some research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesLaboratories, research teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharmaAcademic labs, industry research divisions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Research Scientists and Research Associates often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; 'Research Associate' may imply slightly more experience or specific roles, but both positions typically involve conducting experiments, data analysis, and supporting research projects in laboratory settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Research Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Research Scientist, you need a solid academic background in a scientific discipline, strong analytical skills, and experience with laboratory techniques, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as R or Python), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and relevant safety certifications is often required. Attention to detail, curiosity, effective teamwork, and strong written and verbal communication skills help distinguish candidates in this field. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate research results, maintaining safe lab environments, and contributing effectively to scientific discovery and collaboration.

What Does an Entry-Level Research Scientist Do?

As an entry-level research scientist, your job is to help conduct research for an employer. In this role, you may help develop the parameters of the experiment, assist with running the experiment, document the results, and finally conduct an analysis of the gathered information. Entry-level research scientists often specialize in specific fields or industries, such as food science or biology. Many research scientists work in labs, but you may also host debates, send out surveys online, or collect information through other means. Entry-level research scientists are highly trained and qualified researchers despite the lack of experience and should not be confused with laboratory assistants or other entry-level research roles.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level research scientists during their first year?

Entry level research scientists often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous nature of research projects, mastering new laboratory techniques, and learning to interpret complex data. Collaborating effectively with senior researchers and multidisciplinary teams can also require strong communication skills. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks—such as conducting experiments, analyzing results, and preparing reports—requires effective time management and adaptability as you build experience.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Research Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Research Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Research Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Research Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Research Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Scientist I - Inhalation Toxicologist Research Scientist

Scientist I - Inhalation Toxicologist Research Scientist

Leidos

Dayton, OH

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 425 rated business services


Job description

Are you a skilled Scientist in Inhalation Toxicology Research looking for a new opportunity? Look no further than Leidos!

Leidos Health & Civil Sector is seeking an experienced Research Scientist, Scientist I, to perform Inhalation Toxicology Research in support of biomedical research in the Environmental Health Effects Laboratory (EHEL) at the Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, OH. The successful candidate will serve as Project Lead in cell-based and animal use research studies on environmental and occupational exposures to identify health effects before health and operational performance is compromised in the warfighter.

Are you ready for unique and exciting work?

Research efforts will require study design, medical and scientific authoring and editing of research proposals, animal use (IACUC) protocols, technical and scientific reports, responses to grants and funding calls; scientific management, coordination of technical review meetings and the preparation and presentation of point papers, technical reports, and other briefings resulting from these meetings, preparation and support of technical summaries and publications resulting from research activities; presentation of research findings at scientific meetings / professional conferences; writing, reviewing, editing, and submitting peer-reviewed articles and technical reports.

Your Main Objectives:

  • Work with a diverse team of scientists, including toxicologists, engineers, neuroscientists, chemists, psychologists, animal behaviorists and biologists, to accomplish the mission of understanding the health effects of operating in military settings.

  • Design and conduct scientific research on the inhalation toxicological effects of exposure to chemicals/mixtures; these may be in combination with extreme environmental hazards or stressors, to include temperature, humidity, altitude, vibrations, and noise, and/or physical demand.

  • Utilize animal models to evaluate the short- and long-term health and performance effects of acute and chronic exposure to chemicals, mixtures, environmental hazards and stressors.

  • Provide scientific expertise in the field of inhalation toxicology regarding all organ systems, including pulmonary, neurological/cognitive and developmental and reproductive effects.

  • Identify, devise, propose and execute military relevant studies and collect data from animal subjects (primarily rodent)

  • Develop appropriate exposure systems, including analytical techniques for identifying toxicants and/or aerosols.

  • Contribute substantially to the design and building toxicant generation and other exposure systems.

  • Perform risk assessments based on collected toxicological data.

  • Assist other investigators in the design and execution of research protocols on inhalation toxicology and environmental exposure issues of interest to the Navy.

  • Operate and maintain standard and specialized laboratory equipment.

  • Assist and educate entry level research assistant personnel in the understanding and performance of their duties.

  • Collect pulmonary/respiratory data, or other appropriate endpoints, from animal subjects following exposure.

  • Perform statistical analyses using SigmaPlot, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) or Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Examples of the typical analyses required for successful performance include T-tests, Chi-Square, Analyses of Variance, Multivariate Analyses of Variance, analyses of covariance, multivariate analyses of covariance, correlations, linear regressions, multiple linear regressions, and power analyses.

  • Use multiple computer software packages to create spreadsheets and perform statistical routines.

  • Independently and proactively prepare mission-relevant proposal applications for toxicological, physiological, psychological, medical, and performance studies.

  • Independently and plan, manage, oversee, and carry out research proactively ensuring that those assisting in project coordination are fully informed and able to perform proposed/funded research, meeting all project deadlines.

  • Develop technical reports, presentations, and publications.

  • Be willing and able to work nontraditional hours (e.g., nights, weekends) as needed.

  • Perform other duties as needed.

If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading for the keys to success!

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Toxicology or a related scientific field with specialized study in inhalation, pulmonary and/or respiratory toxicology

  • Extensive experience proposing and conducting original research, including the design and implementation of protocols with animal models, data collection and analysis, and report production.

  • Extensive experience in toxicology studies utilizing small animals, with a specialty in inhalation research.

  • Strong background in toxicology research methodology with experience in research methods, design, and statistical analysis in a research setting.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

  • Proficiency in the use of common statistical analysis software, to include SigmaPlot, SPSS and SAS.

  • Strong technical writing background with experience in writing research proposals, standard operating procedures, animal use protocols for approval by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (human use/Institutional Review Board protocols a plus), technical reports, journal articles, and conference papers.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.

  • Self-motivated and capable of working independently and with others.

  • Ability to obtain Secret Clearance

  • US Citizen

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD plus 3+ years of relevant experience

  • Experience in a military or medical research environment is highly desired

  • Demonstrated experience and success responding to research funding and grant requests for proposals.

  • Experience in modeling (e.g., quantitative-structure activity relationships, benchmark dose, etc.) a plus.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 23, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media