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Scientific Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

The Scientific Director is responsible for overseeing the implementation, validation, and ... Support inspection readiness and assist with responses to regulatory and accreditation findings.

Position Description The Lab Sciences Lab Assistant will be responsible for maintaining the laboratory space in STEM 116. This includes the following: - maintaining an inventory of lab supplies for ...

$65 - $90/hr

Consulting Associate, Environmental Scientist (Assistant Wetland Delineator) 4 months ago Are you early in your environmental science career and eager to get into the field--literally? At ERM , your ...

Senior Scientist

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Guide junior scientists. * Assist with data analysis and interpretation. * Provide laboratory support (ordering, equipment calibration/validation) while adhering to the Quality System. * Work with ...

Support general cloning workflows to reduce prep burden on scientists. * Assist with LabOps duties as needed: bench/TC area resets, incubator maintenance, autoclave scheduling, and shelf stocking.

Showing results 21-40

Scientific Assistant information

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How much do scientific assistant jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 6, 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 is a scientific assistant?

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 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 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.

How to become a scientific assistant?

To become a scientific assistant, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in a scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Gaining laboratory experience, developing technical skills, and sometimes obtaining certifications can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail and proficiency with scientific tools and software are also important.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,282 per year, or $29 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the scientific research agenda of NCEMS Working Groups by providing scientific expertise and assistance.

  • Develop, implement, and maintain computational methods, analysis pipelines, and data visualization tools for molecular and cellular biology data.

  • Assist in wrangling, harmonizing, and standardizing biological datasets, and ensure data quality and reproducibility.


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, seeNotice 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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports 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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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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