Entry Level Associate Scientist Jobs
New grad associate scientist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or hands-on lab projects can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Education, with employers like The University of Texas at Austin, Capital One, and Thermo Fisher Scientific hiring at this level now.
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Description:
Title: Associate Scientist
Duration: 12 Months
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Description:
- Standard daytime lab hours, approximately 8:00 AM-5:00 PM / 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, with flexibility around exact start/end times.
- The ideal candidate will hold a BS or MS in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline and possess strong hands-on laboratory experience in pathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
- Practical experience with staining and assay workflows is essential, and experience operating Ventana and/or Leica BOND automated staining platforms is highly desirable, as it would significantly reduce the required training period.
- The strongest candidates will have demonstrated expertise in assay execution and optimization, including single-plex and/or multiplex assays, quality control practices, and the generation of reliable experimental data.
- They should be quick learners who can rapidly gain independence in the laboratory environment.
- Given the team's responsibility for managing multiple concurrent projects, the candidate must be highly organized, able to effectively prioritize competing activities, and comfortable multitasking.
- The manager is seeking someone who is hands-on, trainable, appropriately aligned to the level of the role, and capable of integrating quickly into the team.
- Relevant laboratory experience is considered more important than whether the candidate holds a bachelor's or master's degree.
- While candidates with more than 10 years of experience may be overqualified for the scope and level of this position, short employment durations should not be viewed negatively when supported by reasonable explanations, such as layoffs.
- Overall, the highest-priority candidate profile combines strong IHC and pathology experience, familiarity with Ventana or Leica BOND platforms, the ability to work independently in the laboratory, and the capacity to manage multiple projects effectively.
- Immunohistochemistry and pathology experience needed.
- Experience with Leica Bond, Ventana, and/or Intellipath is preferred.
- 90% of time will be spent in the lab. Shift time will start around 8am-5pm with little flexibility for start and end times.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist with development and implementation of histopathology assays including single and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, in situ hybridization (ISH), both colorimetric and immunofluorescent, and use a variety of imaging modalities.
- Assist with performing image analysis.
- Participate in collaboration with Pathologists, Scientists and Research Associates on multiple concurrent projects to evaluate and deliver data, contribute to early programs and assist with determining mechanism of action and toxicity.
- Work as part of a cross-functional team to provide tissue-based assay development for target qualification, pharmacodynamic and efficacy readouts, and biomarker development.
- Organize and present data, including all documentation in required lab information systems and databases, as well as team communications.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in cellular biology, molecular biology or related discipline.
- Two or more years’ experience in molecular pathology in an industry setting.
- Basic hands-on experience in a variety of pathology-based methodologies including IHC, multiplex IHC, immunofluorescence imaging and other advanced microscopy, digital pathology/image analysis, specialized tissue sectioning and histology procedures.
- Experience with Leica Bond, Ventana and/or Intellipath is preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual [salary/hourly rate] for this position is between $28.00 - 30.00 per hour. Factors which may affect pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
Benefits:
The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: [medical insurance], [dental insurance], [vision insurance], [401(k) retirement plan], [life insurance], [long-term disability insurance], [short-term disability insurance], [paid parking/public transportation], [Paid time off], [Days/hours of paid sick and safe time], [Days/hours of paid vacation time], [Weeks of paid parental leave], [Paid holidays annually], [any additional benefits applicable].
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals17
- Science & Research13
- Education12
- Consulting & Professional Services8
- Banking & Financial Services6
Entry Level Associate Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level associate scientist job?
Focus on hands-on experience from coursework, internships, or research assistantships, since that practical work often carries more weight than tenure at this stage. Tailor your resume to highlight specific techniques, instruments, or software you have used. Entry level postings typically ask for a bachelor's degree in a life science, chemistry, or related field, so match your application materials closely to each job description.
Which companies hire entry level associate scientists?
Companies hiring entry level associate scientists right now include The University of Texas at Austin, Capital One, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of biotech startups, large pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract research organizations, and industrial testing labs, all of which regularly bring in new talent to support growing research and quality teams.
Are there remote entry level associate scientist jobs?
Yes, though most associate scientist roles involve lab or bench work that requires an on-site presence. About 6% of entry level associate scientist openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with those opportunities concentrated in data analysis, regulatory affairs, or science writing functions that do not require direct equipment access.
Are these new grad associate scientist jobs?
Yes, the openings listed here include new grad, recent graduate, and junior associate scientist roles. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or co-ops toward that requirement, and accepts a strong academic project or portfolio in place of full-time work history. Look for language like 'entry level,' 'new graduates encouraged to apply,' or 'training provided.'
Which industries hire the most entry level associate scientists?
Entry Level associate scientist roles concentrate in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Those sectors drive entry level hiring because they rely on large bench-level workforces to support product development, quality control, and regulatory testing pipelines, creating consistent demand for candidates who are early in their careers.