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Scientific Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scientific Director

Cranbury, NJ · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

At MJH Life Sciences our success is measured by your success! If you set your standards high and want to contribute to a winning team, we'll provide you with every opportunity to help grow our ...

This position will support the scientific research agenda of our Working Groups through interactions with NCEMS Staff Scientists, Postdoctoral Scholars, and Staff Scientist Assistants.

Scientific Recruiter

Boston, MA · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

The Recruiter will lead full-cycle recruitment for research-focused roles (including Clinical Research Coordinators, Research Assistants, Research Scientists, and Lab Technicians), develop targeted ...

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Scientific Assistant information

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How much do scientific assistant jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average monthly pay for scientific assistant in the United States is $5,023.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $3,166.67 and $6,166.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

To become a research assistant, candidates typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Strong analytical skills, familiarity with laboratory equipment or data analysis software, and good communication abilities are also important. Some positions may require specific certifications or prior research experience.

What is the highest paid assistant job?

Among assistant roles, executive assistants and administrative assistants with specialized skills or working in high-paying industries can earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced education, certifications, or experience in fields like healthcare or legal support tend to offer higher compensation.

What is a science assistant?

A scientific assistant is a professional who supports research and laboratory activities by performing experiments, collecting data, and maintaining equipment. They often work under the supervision of scientists or researchers and may need knowledge of laboratory techniques, data analysis, and relevant safety protocols.

What is the difference between Scientific Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScientific AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, government agenciesHospitals, research labs, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch projects, scientific studies, academiaSample analysis, equipment maintenance, routine testing
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level scientific rolesOften compared for technical laboratory support roles

The Scientific Assistant and Laboratory Technician roles share similarities in work environments and required credentials, but Scientific Assistants typically focus on supporting research activities, while Laboratory Technicians handle routine testing and sample processing. Both roles are essential in scientific and medical settings, with the Scientific Assistant often involved in data collection and analysis, and the Laboratory Technician performing technical procedures.

What are some common challenges Scientific Assistants face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

Scientific Assistants often juggle several research projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, maintaining meticulous records, and meeting deadlines. Balancing administrative duties, laboratory work, and data analysis requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Open communication with supervising scientists and research teams is essential to clarify expectations and ensure that all projects stay on track. Developing efficient workflows and regularly reviewing progress can help Scientific Assistants manage these demands effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scientific Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientific Assistant, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, strong analytical abilities, and experience with laboratory procedures. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as Excel, SPSS, or R), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in supporting research activities and collaborating with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, maintaining safe lab environments, and contributing to the success of scientific projects.

What are Scientific Assistants?

Scientific Assistants are professionals who support scientists and researchers in laboratories, fieldwork, or academic settings. Their duties typically include preparing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining equipment, and assisting with documentation and reporting. They play a vital role in ensuring experiments and research projects run smoothly by handling technical and administrative tasks. Scientific Assistants often work under the supervision of senior scientists or researchers and may specialize in fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

What is the role of a scientific assistant?

A scientific assistant supports research and laboratory activities by collecting data, conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, and documenting results. They often work under the supervision of scientists or researchers and may use specialized tools or software to assist in scientific investigations.
What cities are hiring for Scientific Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Scientific Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific jobs? The most popular types of Scientific jobs are:
What states have the most Scientific Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Scientific Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scientific Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scientific Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Scientific Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,282 per year, or $29 per hour.
Scientific Consultant - Part-Time

Scientific Consultant - Part-Time

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 546 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Job Description:
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences (NCEMS) at Penn State University is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Scientific Consultant (Hours will vary depending on project needs and requested support). NCEMS is a national resource synthesizing diverse data to gain new insights and understanding of emergent properties in complex molecular and cellular systems. This position will support the scientific research agenda of our Working Groups through interactions with NCEMS Staff Scientists, Postdoctoral Scholars, and Staff Scientist Assistants.
Responsibilities:
Provide on-demand scientific expertise and support to NCEMS, including but not limited to: developing and implementing computational methods for integrating, analyzing, and visualizing molecular and cellular biology data; wrangling, harmonizing, and standardizing biological datasets; implementing comprehensive quality control and quality assurance protocols to ensure data accuracy, consistency, reliability, and reproducibility; providing guidance on bioinformatics and computational biology tools and pipelines; supporting the publication of intermediate data products, code, and documentation; and developing and maintaining analysis pipelines compliant with NCEMS Open Science standards.
Required Qualifications:
  • Skills: Proficiency in computational and data science methods relevant to advancing NCEMS Working Group research.
  • Experience: Current Penn State graduate student with demonstrated expertise in computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related data-intensive discipline.
  • Attributes: Strong attention to detail, ability to rapidly learn new software tools and databases, and a commitment to providing high-quality scientific support.

Schedule and Compensation: Hours are variable and determined on an as-needed basis in consultation with NCEMS staff.
Applications should include a current resume; references can be provided at a later date upon request.
For more information about NCEMS, visit NCEMS Website.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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