Associate Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Associate Scientist jobs in Illinois are in strong and consistent demand, with the deepest concentration in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and food science, and openings available at every level from recent graduates through senior associates. Chicago, the North Shore suburbs, and the Champaign-Urbana corridor anchor most of the hiring, where established employers such as AbbVie, Baxter International, and Archer Daniels Midland maintain large research and quality operations. The most in-demand specialties are analytical chemistry, cell biology, and quality control. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 16+ Associate Scientist jobs
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly engaged scientist willing to develop and enhance current skills in cell culture and complex in vitro model development. The position, as part of the Investigative Toxicology and Pathology group, is a key interface between internal stakeholders across AbbVie (Discovery, Development Sciences, and Preclinical Toxicology). Using strong scientific and organizational skills, and use cell culture and molecular biology techniques, the successful candidate is expected to impact risk assessment for novel therapeutics in the early development pipeline.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct in vitro, cell culture-based studies by supporting development and conduct of in vitro cell culture studies, the successful candidate will contribute to risk assessment for novel therapeutics in the early development pipeline
- Develop Utilize and build both simple and complex in vitro models (spheroids and organoids) across a diverse range of cell and tissue types
- Run endpoints such as western blot, ELISA, cell viability assessments and immunofluorescent imaging to screen compounds and evaluate mechanisms driving toxicity
- Independently generate reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner. Demonstrate experimental precision and strong data interpretation skills
- Exhibit excellent communication skills in a diverse and cross-functional environment
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in biology or related field (Associate I) and 3-5 years of experience or Master’s degree or equivalent education in biology or related field with no experience required (Associate II)
- Hands-on one year of experience within cell culture and in vitro model development and/or maintenance
- Ability to work and contribute within a team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong critical thinking skills and ability to troubleshoot
- Fast learner, able to generate and analyze data with little supervision
- Proficient with Microsoft excel and Graphpad prism for data analysis
Preferred:
- Proven record of experience working collaboratively to make scientific contributions to the scientific community
- Knowledge and familiarity with cellular biology
- Experience with microscopy, ELISA, protein quantification
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly engaged scientist willing to develop and enhance current skills in cell culture and complex in vitro model development. The position, as part of the Investigative Toxicology and Pathology group, is a key interface between internal stakeholders across AbbVie (Discovery, Development Sciences, and Preclinical Toxicology). Using strong scientific and organizational skills, and use cell culture and molecular biology techniques, the successful candidate is expected to impact risk assessment for novel therapeutics in the early development pipeline.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct in vitro, cell culture-based studies by supporting development and conduct of in vitro cell culture studies, the successful candidate will contribute to risk assessment for novel therapeutics in the early development pipeline
- Develop Utilize and build both simple and complex in vitro models (spheroids and organoids) across a diverse range of cell and tissue types
- Run endpoints such as western blot, ELISA, cell viability assessments and immunofluorescent imaging to screen compounds and evaluate mechanisms driving toxicity
- Independently generate reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner. Demonstrate experimental precision and strong data interpretation skills
- Exhibit excellent communication skills in a diverse and cross-functional environment
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in biology or related field (Associate I) and 3-5 years of experience or Master’s degree or equivalent education in biology or related field with no experience required (Associate II)
- Hands-on one year of experience within cell culture and in vitro model development and/or maintenance
- Ability to work and contribute within a team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong critical thinking skills and ability to troubleshoot
- Fast learner, able to generate and analyze data with little supervision
- Proficient with Microsoft excel and Graphpad prism for data analysis
Preferred:
- Proven record of experience working collaboratively to make scientific contributions to the scientific community
- Knowledge and familiarity with cellular biology
- Experience with microscopy, ELISA, protein quantification
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
See All 16 Associate Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Scientist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Fintech
- Food & Beverage
- Banking & Financial Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate scientist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard techniques such as PCR, HPLC, or cell culture
- Familiarity with GMP, GLP, or FDA regulatory compliance as practiced in Illinois pharmaceutical and food environments
- Proficiency in data analysis software and accurate laboratory documentation in electronic systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration
- Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures and maintain precise experimental records
Associate Scientist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an associate scientist in Illinois?
The path to becoming an associate scientist in Illinois starts with a bachelor's degree in a relevant science such as chemistry, biology, or biochemistry from an accredited Illinois or out-of-state institution. Unlike nursing or clinical roles, the position carries no state-issued license, but Illinois pharmaceutical and biotech employers often expect laboratory coursework validated by internships or co-ops, and some research-intensive roles favor candidates who have completed graduate-level coursework.
Which companies hire associate scientists in Illinois?
Employers hiring associate scientists in Illinois right now include AbbVie, Entegris, and Capital One, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters and food science manufacturers along the I-290 and I-94 corridors means large, established companies drive much of the steady hiring volume.
Which Illinois cities have the most associate scientist jobs?
North Chicago, Chicago, and Aurora have the most associate scientist openings in Illinois. Chicago anchors hiring through its biotech and healthcare research institutions, while the North Shore suburbs such as North Chicago and Deerfield reflect the headquarters presence of major pharmaceutical companies, and Champaign-Urbana draws demand from university-affiliated research and agri-science operations tied to the University of Illinois.
Are there remote associate scientist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Associate scientist work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring laboratory instruments, controlled environments, and physical samples that cannot be replicated off-site. About 50% of associate scientist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those opportunities are concentrated in data-heavy functions such as bioinformatics, scientific writing, or regulatory affairs rather than bench science.
How can I get hired as an associate scientist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate rotational programs at large Illinois life sciences employers, several of which run structured associate programs designed for recent degree holders with no full-time lab history. Companies headquartered on the North Shore and in the Chicago suburbs regularly post entry-level quality control and analytical chemistry roles that accept candidates with strong coursework and internship experience. Lateral moves from laboratory technician or research assistant positions at Illinois academic medical centers or contract research organizations are also a practical bridge, and completing an Illinois university co-op strengthens any application.
Where can I find and apply to associate scientist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to associate scientist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Illinois employers and research sites. Search the available roles, find one that fits your background and location, and apply directly through the listing.
See All 16 Associate Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist Jobs