Associate Biologist Jobs
Associate Biologist jobs are open across biopharma, environmental consulting, academic research, and government agencies, from entry-level technician roles to senior associate positions, with specializations in molecular biology, ecology, and clinical research. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Research Computational Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Associate)
GS-11, $86,756–$113,301/year, up to 2 years full-time
(open until filled)
Research Project: The U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) mission involves problem-solving research in the widely diverse food and agricultural areas encompassing plant production and protection; animal production and protection; natural resources and sustainable agricultural systems; and nutrition; food safety; and quality. The programs are conducted in 46 of the 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For ARS to maintain its standing as a premier scientific organization, major investments in computing, networking, and storage infrastructure are required. Training in data and information management are integral to the integrity, security, and accessibility of research findings, results, and outcomes within the ARS research enterprise. Over 1000 scientists and support staff conduct research within the ARS research enterprise.
This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, in Beltsville, MD.
Research will focus on development of bioinformatics and genomics tools to characterize the structure and function of the bovine genome and then application of those datasets to accelerate genetic improvement and discover genetic variation affecting economically important traits.
Major duties include but are not limited to:
Developing and customizing pipelines for automation of data processing required for discovering genetic (e.g., SNP, CNV) and epigenetic (e.g., DNA methylation) variations, as well as functional elements (e.g., enhancers and promoters) using short- and long-read sequencing in cattle.
Developing better statistical methods to improve association studies with QTL and enhancing genetic prediction tools for automation of data processing required for SNP use in livestock selection programs.
A Ph.D. degree in genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, computer science, or a closely related field is required and must have been obtained no more than 4 years prior to appointment start date. Knowledge and understanding of genome assembly, population genetics, statistical genetics, complex trait mapping, and high throughput sequencing genome and programming proficiency in R, Python, Perl, C/C++, Java, and SAS are highly desirable. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong publication record, evidence of substantial research productivity, and ability to communicate scientific information successfully.
Benefits include annual and sick leave, within-grade increases, health and life insurance, and retirement.
This position is open only to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who meet the criteria outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B).
To apply, send your resume/CV, statement of interest, Ph.D. transcripts, 1-page dissertation abstract, and 2 references to:
Dr. George Liu
USDA-ARS-AGIL
10300 Baltimore Ave.
BARC-East
Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $86,756.00 - $113,301.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Free parking
Application Question(s):
- This position is open "ONLY to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals" who meet the criteria outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B). Your Ph.D. degree must have been obtained no more than 4 years prior to appointment start date.
Education:
- Doctorate (Required)
Experience:
- Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Beltsville, MD 20705
Associate Biologist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Associate Biologist JobsAssociate Biologist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Science & Research
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate biologist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis
- Proficiency in data recording, analysis, and reporting using spreadsheet or statistical software
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
- Experience maintaining accurate lab notebooks and following standard operating procedures
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team lab setting and manage multiple concurrent experiments
Tips for Your Associate Biologist Job Search
Tailor your resume to lab techniques
List every instrument and assay you've operated by name: PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, gel electrophoresis. Hiring managers and ATS filters screen for these terms directly, so a generic biology resume will get passed over even when your hands-on experience matches the role.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists associate biologist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight relevant coursework and thesis work
If you're a recent graduate, name the specific research project, organism, or dataset you worked with in your thesis or capstone. Employers distinguishing candidates with similar GPAs will weight hands-on research context over degree name alone.
Filter openings by industry sector first
Biopharma, environmental, and academic associate biologist roles have distinct day-to-day responsibilities and required skills. Decide which sector fits your background before applying broadly, so your cover letter can speak directly to that environment's workflows and compliance expectations.
Prepare for a skills-based phone screen
Many associate biologist interviews open with a recruiter asking you to walk through a protocol you've run from start to finish. Practice explaining your most complex lab procedure out loud in plain language, including how you troubleshoot when results are inconsistent.
Negotiate start date around project timelines
Research labs and field biology teams often have grant cycles or seasonal collection windows that constrain when they can onboard. Asking about the team's upcoming project milestones during the offer stage signals awareness of how biological research actually runs.
Associate Biologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most associate biologists?
The companies hiring the most associate biologists right now include Grifols, Oakland University, and ScienCell Research Laboratories, with the largest share of openings in California, Michigan, and North Carolina, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Biopharma and environmental consulting firms consistently account for a large portion of active postings.
How many associate biologist jobs are remote?
About 40% of associate biologist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by specialization. Roles focused on data analysis, literature review, or bioinformatics are most likely to allow remote work, while wet lab, fieldwork, and clinical support positions almost always require an on-site presence.
How do you become an associate biologist?
Most associate biologist positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, ecology, or a related life science. Gaining hands-on lab or field experience through undergraduate research, internships, or technician roles is essential before applying. Some employers also prefer candidates who have completed coursework in statistics, bioinformatics, or regulatory compliance depending on the sector.
How do you get hired as an associate biologist with little experience?
Focus your application on any research conducted during your degree, including class-based lab projects, independent study, or volunteer fieldwork. Certifications in relevant techniques, such as aseptic cell culture or GLP compliance training, help fill gaps. Applying to contract or temporary associate biologist roles at contract research organizations is a practical way to build a verifiable employment record quickly.
What does the associate biologist interview process look like?
Most associate biologist interviews begin with a phone or video screen where a recruiter or hiring manager asks about your lab background and specific techniques. This is typically followed by a technical interview or practical assessment, sometimes including a protocol walkthrough or a short written problem. Final rounds often involve meeting the broader team and discussing how you handle experimental troubleshooting or data discrepancies.
Where can I find and apply to associate biologist jobs?
You can find and apply to associate biologist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your background, whether in biopharma, environmental science, academic research, or government labs, and apply directly to each listing that fits your experience and location preferences.
See All 12 Associate Biologist Jobs
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