1

Senior Associate Scientist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to support formulation development, stability studies ... Senior Scientist. * Write and evaluate technical reports documenting formulation, stability, and ...

Associate Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$65K - $108K/yr

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to support formulation development, stability studies ... Senior Scientist. * Write and evaluate technical reports documenting formulation, stability, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Associate Scientist information

See Washington salary details

$21

$40

$65

How much do senior associate scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior associate scientist in Washington is $40.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.59 and $46.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior associate scientist?

Senior Associate Scientists are experienced research professionals who contribute to scientific projects in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences. They design and perform experiments, analyze data, and support the development of new products or processes. Senior Associate Scientists often mentor junior staff, ensure compliance with laboratory standards, and may present findings to stakeholders. Their role bridges hands-on laboratory work and project leadership within a research team.

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

To thrive as a Senior Associate Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, experimental design, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant advanced degree (such as a master's or Ph.D.) in the life sciences. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, statistical software, and compliance with regulatory guidelines (like GLP or GMP) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you lead projects and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure rigorous scientific outcomes, innovation, and successful project delivery in a research-driven environment.

What are some common challenges faced by senior associate scientists when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

Senior Associate Scientists often juggle several research projects at once, which can pose challenges in prioritizing tasks and meeting tight deadlines. Balancing experimental work, data analysis, and documentation requires strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to shifting project needs. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and communicating results effectively are essential for keeping projects on track. Time management and proactive problem-solving are key to handling the dynamic nature of this role.

How much do senior associate scientists make in the US?

Senior Associate Scientists in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and may work in research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or biotech firms, with salaries increasing with expertise and certifications.

Is a senior associate scientist entry level?

A senior associate scientist is not an entry-level position; it typically requires several years of experience in scientific research, proficiency with laboratory techniques, and often a relevant advanced degree. This role involves more responsibility and independence than entry-level positions and may require specialized skills or certifications.

What job categories do people searching Senior Associate Scientist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Associate Scientist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Associate Scientist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Associate Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Associate Scientist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,631 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Associate Scientist

Guidehouse

Gaithersburg, MD

$65K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Guidehouse rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:

Scientist


Travel Required:

None


Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to support formulation development, stability studies, analytical testing, and documentation for vaccine and biotherapeutic programs at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This full-time, on-site role in Gaithersburg, MD.

  • Execute formulation and stability studies under the federal task leader's direction, including coordinating analytical sample generation and testing.

  • Independently generate and analyze samples using standard and advanced study-specific analytical methods.

  • Coordinate and conduct formulation development studies for vaccine and biotherapeutic characterization under the federal task leader's direction.

  • Analyze and compile analytical data independently in collaboration with the project development team.

  • Present data to small groups and department audiences.

  • Coordinate external service and perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting for laboratory instrumentation.

  • Draft and review routine stability study protocols under the direction of a Formulation Scientist or Senior Scientist.

  • Write and evaluate technical reports documenting formulation, stability, and method development studies.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.


What You Will Need:

  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related discipline is required

  • A minimum of ONE (1) year of industry, government, or equivalent experience in protein formulation or a related field; a master's thesis may satisfy this requirement

  • Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: protein or vaccine formulation, protein or vaccine stability, biophysical characterization, or bioanalytical development

  • Hands-on experience with one or more analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism, or infrared spectroscopy; differential scanning calorimetry; and particle characterization methods such as light scattering, high accuracy liquid particle counting, or micro-flow imaging

  • Knowledge of the structural properties of proteins

  • Experience with data analysis using standard software platforms (Excel, Prism, Sigma Plot, etc.)

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD Public Trust. Candidates must receive approved adjudication of their Public Trust prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active Public Trust or existing suitability are preferred.

What Would Be Nice To Have:

  • Master's degree preferred

The annual salary range for this position is $65,000.00-$108,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.


What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

  • Parental Leave

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance

  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits

  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities

  • Employee Referral Program

  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

  • Care.com annual membership

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)

  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.


What Guidehouse employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom