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Entry Level Research Scientist Jobs in Rochester, MN

... entry level imaging and x-ray. This vacancy is not eligible for sponsorship. We will not sponsor or ... research positions: Associate's degree or higher in medical/clinical laboratory science, medical ...

Entry Level Research Scientist information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$51.3K

$132.3K

$176.9K

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level research scientist in Rochester, MN is $132,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,300.00 and $175,900.00 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level research scientist roles typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field; jobs paying $4,000 a week without a degree are rare. High-paying roles without degrees often include skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require experience, certifications, or specialized skills. Most high-earning positions rely on education, training, or proven expertise rather than solely on experience.

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.

How to get into a research scientist?

To become an entry-level research scientist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Gaining laboratory experience through internships or research projects, developing strong analytical and technical skills, and often pursuing a master's or Ph.D. can improve job prospects. Familiarity with research tools and methods is also beneficial.

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 is the starting salary for a research scientist?

The starting salary for an entry-level research scientist typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and educational background. Salaries may increase with additional skills, certifications, or advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field.

Can I be a research scientist without a PhD?

Entry level research scientist positions often require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. While a PhD can enhance prospects and lead to more advanced roles, some organizations hire candidates with strong academic backgrounds and research experience without a doctorate, especially if they possess relevant skills and laboratory experience.
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Entry Level Research Scientist jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Entry Level Research Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Research Scientist job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,263 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Chemist (Entry-level, #1 Hospital Worldwide)

Actalent

Rochester, MN

$23 - $24/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Chemist

Entry-level | #1 Hospital Worldwide | Excellent Room for Growth | Offers Benefits

Job Description

Performs analyses on blood, tissue, and body fluids to aid health care providers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients. Testing is performed in specialized laboratories and may include highly skilled manual techniques or automated testing using sophisticated instrumentation. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: instrument operation and maintenance, troubleshooting assays, evaluating tests for accuracy, assisting with interpreting results, and operational support activities to optimize testing. Works with multiple computer systems to retrieve information and report results. May work with minimal supervision and may assist with specimen collection. Must strictly adhere to safety protocols to work with infectious specimens, chemicals and other hazards.

Experience with operation and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation and assay systems is desirable. Must be capable of producing accurate results under time constraints, multi-tasking, and performing in a fast-paced and changing environment. Must possess good communication skills and be able to work closely with others. Must be able to accommodate scheduling adjustments, off-shifts, holiday, on-call, and weekend work assignments.

This role would primarily utilize HPLC, LC/MS/MS, or GC/MS.

Within this group, there are 4 different distinct pathways built out for career progression.

1. Instrumentation Technical Specialist

2. QA

3. Management

4. Education Specialist

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in biological science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, etc).
  • Undergraduate research experience (preferred, not required)
  • Healthcare experience (preferred, not required)
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rochester,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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