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Microbiome Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

BiomeSense

Head of Research

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

... applying gut microbiome technologies (GutLab, MetaBiome) to advance personalized medicine. We ... Mentor junior scientists and research associates; build a high-performing lab culture aligned with ...

All JobsMicrobiome Research Associate JobsMicrobiome Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Microbiome Research Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16

$33

$48

How much do microbiome research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiome research associate in Chicago, IL is $33.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.97 and $38.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Microbiome Research Associate do?

A Microbiome Research Associate supports scientific studies investigating the communities of microorganisms that live in various environments, such as the human gut, soil, or water. Their responsibilities often include preparing samples, conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing DNA sequences, and using bioinformatics tools to interpret data. They also help maintain lab equipment, record results, and may contribute to writing research reports or scientific publications. This role is vital in advancing our understanding of how microbial communities impact health, disease, and the environment.

How does a Microbiome Research Associate typically collaborate with other team members in a research setting?

As a Microbiome Research Associate, you will regularly collaborate with principal investigators, laboratory technicians, and bioinformaticians to design experiments, process samples, and analyze data. This role often involves attending team meetings to discuss research goals, troubleshooting protocols, and sharing findings. Effective communication is essential, as you may need to present your results or contribute to manuscript preparation. Working closely with cross-disciplinary teams fosters a dynamic environment and can provide opportunities to learn new techniques and expand your expertise.

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

To thrive as a Microbiome Research Associate, you need a solid background in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatics tools like QIIME or R is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for accurate data interpretation and teamwork. These competencies are crucial for producing reliable research results and advancing scientific understanding of microbial communities.

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

AspectMicrobiome Research AssociateMicrobiome Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in microbiology, biology, or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant laboratory training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesLaboratories, clinical settings, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch-focused roles in academia, biotech, and healthcareTechnical support and sample processing in labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in microbiome studiesTechnical lab work and sample handling

Microbiome Research Associates typically hold advanced degrees and focus on designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting microbiome research. In contrast, Microbiome Laboratory Technicians perform technical tasks like sample preparation and lab maintenance. Both roles are essential in microbiome research but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiome Research jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Microbiome Research jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Microbiome Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microbiome Research Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,726 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Research Associate at BiomeSense Chicago, IL

Dan Cummins Ford Lincoln

Chicago, IL • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Research Associate – R&D

Location: Chicago, IL (in-person)

Compensation: $60K – $85K salary + 0.1% - 0.2% equity + benefits

BiomeSense is a start‑up revolutionizing human gut microbiome sampling and analysis, driving discovery, and enabling the development of microbiome‑based precision medicine. Our innovative approach integrates two core advancements: hardware that facilitates daily microbiome sampling as a routine exercise, and AI‑driven analytics to unlock novel datasets for biomarker discovery.

We are seeking a Research Associate to join our Research and Development team. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills and collaborative spirit in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. As part of our scientific team, you will help advance our automated sample processing workflows, supporting the foundation of our sample‑to‑answer multi‑omic platform technology.

Key Responsibilities
  • Laboratory Execution & Technical Support: Execute and optimize microbiology protocols supporting nucleic acid extraction, PCR, next‑generation sequencing (NGS), in a high‑throughput laboratory environment.
  • Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and product teams to validate and integrate novel systems for microbial DNA stabilization, extraction, and purification.
  • Coordinate and execute the processing of large quantities of partner samples, maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and efficiency.
  • Design and conduct experiments to retire technical risks or optimize laboratory protocols, contributing to ongoing process improvements and product innovation.
Quality & Communication
  • Maintain rigorous documentation practices and adhere to established quality management systems (e.g., GLP, design controls).
  • Effectively communicate experimental results and technical observations to cross‑functional project teams, supporting the rapid advancement of platform technologies.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree + 3 years’, or Master’s degree + 2 years’ in biological sciences, bioengineering, or a related field.
  • Hands‑on experience with core microbiology techniques, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and NGS sample preparation.
  • Highly organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced setting.
  • Strong communication skills for clear reporting and knowledge‑sharing with scientific and technical stakeholders.
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