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Scientific Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr Scientific Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

PhD degree in Chemistry, Polymer Sciences, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or in any other related scientific areas * Minimum 3-5 years of experience in the areas of polymer based composite ...

Associate's orBachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline. * Experience ina manufacturing,laboratory, life sciences, or related environment.

Company Description Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a ... Associate Scientist Duties Include but are not Limited to the Following: * Executes 384-well ...

Senior Associate/Counsel § Practice Area: Life Sciences & Capital Markets, Bio-Pharmaceutical Transactions, Public Securities, and Venture Finance § Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite/Hybrid) § ...

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Showing results 1-20

Scientific Associate information

See California salary details

$13

$31

$51

How much do scientific associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific associate in California is $31.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $39.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific associate?

Thriving as a Scientific Associate requires a strong background in biological or chemical sciences, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis software, and standard lab equipment is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate research results, efficient collaboration, and compliance with scientific and safety standards.

How does a scientific associate typically collaborate with senior scientists and other team members on ongoing research projects?

Scientific Associates play a key role in supporting research initiatives by working closely with senior scientists and cross-functional teams. They often assist with experimental design, data collection, and analysis, while also helping to troubleshoot technical issues in the lab. Regular communication and collaboration are essential, as Scientific Associates frequently participate in team meetings, present findings, and contribute to problem-solving discussions. This collaborative environment not only enhances project outcomes but also provides valuable opportunities for learning and professional development.

What is the difference between Scientific Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScientific AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or related field; some roles may require a master'sAssociate's degree or relevant certification; some roles may require a bachelor's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutionsClinical labs, research facilities, industrial laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch and development, biotech, pharmaceuticals, academiaHealthcare, diagnostics, manufacturing, research

Both roles involve laboratory work, but Scientific Associates typically engage in more complex research tasks and data analysis, while Laboratory Technicians focus on routine testing and sample preparation. The choice depends on your education level and career goals within scientific and laboratory settings.

What does a scientific associate do?

A scientific associate conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data, and supports research projects in laboratories or field settings. They often use specialized tools and follow safety protocols, and may require knowledge of scientific methods and technical skills. Their work helps advance scientific understanding and supports research objectives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific jobs in California?

The most popular types of Scientific jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Scientific Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scientific Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Scientific Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,616 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Sr Scientific Associate

Henkel

Irvine, CA • On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop new technologies and products in support of electronic adhesives business.

  • Lead one or multiple R&D projects and ensure timely project milestone advancement.

  • Design, develop, execute, and support on-time commercialization of new film adhesive formulations and products.


Henkel rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 104 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

About this Position
AtHenkel, you'll be part of an organization that's shaping the future throughinnovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trusted brands likePersil®, 'all®, Loctite®, Snuggle®, and Schwarzkopf® and our cutting-edgetechnologies, you'll have countless opportunities to explore new paths andgrow.
Thisposition is with our Adhesive Technologies business unit - where we empower ourpeople to transform industries and provide our customers with a competitiveadvantage through adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.
Dare to learn new skills, advance in your career andmake an impact at Henkel. What you'll do
  • Develop new technologies and products in support of electronic adhesives business. Identify opportunities for new technologies, products, or performance improvements
  • Leads one or multiple R&D projects critical to business and ensures timely project milestone advancement. Actively makes specialized knowledge available to the organization
  • Stays current with technology and market megatrends. Acts as responsible for new research, IP, publications, technology roadmap. Secures IP position in own area of development
  • Design, develop, execute and support on-time commercialization of new film adhesive formulations and products.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations on research projects for internal teams, management, customers and technical conferences
  • Directly interact and communicate with external customers and respond to customer requests in timely fashion
  • Effectively work in cross functional teams across different time zones with members from product development, project management, application engineering, process engineering, marketing and sales
  • Understand state-of-art technology advancement and apply it to product development
  • Generate new intellectual properties. Actively search for new ideas and technology from within or outside
What makes you a good fit
  • PhD degree in Chemistry, Polymer Sciences, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or in any other related scientific areas
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in the areas of polymer based composite or adhesive product development is required.
  • Prior experience of adhesive product development for electronic applications, metallurgical experience or knowledge of semiconductor packaging is highly desired
  • Strong leadership, communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills are essential
  • Proven ability to invent and innovate, and strong ability to design and implement experiments are needed
  • Motivated self-starter with strong initiative and with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in team collaboration
  • Individual with proven track record of success in new technologies and products developed, invention disclosures and patents, and published scientific papers publication in peer reviewed journals
  • The ability to work autonomously on multiple projects is needed
  • Ability to work onsite, 5 days a week, in Irvine, CA.
Some benefits of joining Henkel
  • Health Insurance: affordableplans for medical, dental, vision and wellbeing starting on day 1
  • Work-Life Balance:Paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and volunteer time, flexible& hybrid work policies (depending on role), and vacation buy / sellprogram
  • Financial: 401kmatching, employee share plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matchingshares, annual performance bonus, service awards and student loanreimbursement
  • Family Support:12-week gender neutral parental leave (up to 20 weeks for parents givingbirth), fertility support, adoption & surrogacy reimbursement, discountedchild and elderly care, and scholarships
  • Career Growth: diversenational and international growth opportunities, access to thousands of skillsdevelopment courses, and tuition reimbursement

Thesalary range for this role is $90,000.00 and $130,000.00. This range represents thegood-faith minimum and maximum wages the Company reasonably expects to offerfor this role at the time of posting. In addition to base salary, thisposition may be eligible for incentive pay or other forms of compensation, asapplicable. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package asdescribed above. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as thecandidate's skills, experience, education, training, and work location. Thisposting is intended to comply with all applicable state and local paytransparency laws.
Henkeldoes not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies.Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Henkel property and therefore,Henkel will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of anunsolicited referral.
AtHenkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lifeexperiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us.Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicantswithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability,veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

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