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.
Find Associate Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Associate Scientist jobs
At Tate & Lyle, our purpose is simple: Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food. We partner with leading food and beverage brands around the world to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that consumers love. Backed by more than 165 years of innovation, our people are passionate about making a positive difference for customers, communities and the planet.
If you're looking to be part of a purpose-led organization where your work can have a real impact, read on to learn more about this opportunity and how you can help shape the future of food.
About the Role
We are looking for an Associate Principal Scientist in Analytical Material Science to strengthen our team and expertise in material characterization and ingredient functionality. This role focuses on understanding how microstructure and physical properties drive product texture, sensory perception, stability, and performance. Using rheology, tribology, microscopy, and advanced data science, you will transform complex experimental data into actionable insights that accelerate innovation. This role balances hands-on advanced laboratory analysis with cross-functional project leadership.
Beyond technical excellence, you will bring a strong customer service mindset, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to understand scientific and business needs, provide clear recommendations, and deliver high-quality analytical insights that enable successful product development and customer solutions. Success in this role requires the ability to combine scientific rigor, effective communication, and customer-focused problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead characterization of ingredients and multiphase food systems using advanced material science techniques, including rheology, tribology, microscopy, particle characterization and related material science techniques.
- Utilize and maintain high-end physical and chemical profiling tools such as rheometers, tribometers, particle size analyzers and microscopy (SEM/optical microscopes).
- Design and execute experiments to understand structure-function relationships and the impact of ingredient composition, processing, and formulation on product performance.
- Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods and characterization workflows.
- Apply DoE, multivariate statistics, and data science tools to analyze complex datasets and identify key drivers of ingredient functionality.
- Build predictive models linking material properties and microstructure to texture, sensory attributes, stability, and processability.
- Partner closely with Product Development, Application Science, Process Engineering, Regulatory, and Sensory teams to solve complex formulation challenges and scale up pilot operations.
- Act as the subject matter expert for technical sales and customer-facing teams, providing scientific guidance, supporting customer engagements, and translating complex material science data into actionable insights and customer-focused solutions.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the growth of analytical and material science capabilities.
- Communicate technical findings effectively through presentations, reports, scientific publications, and stakeholder discussions.
Key Competencies
- Scientific curiosity and problem-solving mindset
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Data science and statistical modeling capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to influence and collaborate across functions
- Technical leadership and mentoring capability
- Project management and prioritization skills
- Ability to translate complex scientific insights into business impact
Qualifications
- PhD in Material Science, Food Science, Polymer Science, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
- 3+ years (or 6+ years with a Master’s degree) of experience in industrial or applied research within food ingredients, food technology, biomaterials, or related sectors.
- Proven track record in food physics, soft matter rheology, and the structural properties of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
- Proficient in Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical software platforms (e.g., Minitab, Python, R, or JMP) for multivariate data analysis.
- Preferably knowledgeable in analytical chemistry, such as mass spectrometry, chromatography and other techniques.
What we can offer you
Tate & Lyle complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency. When determining final compensation, we take into consideration: skillset, job scope, knowledge, prior experience, cost of living, market data, budget availability, and other factors as permitted by law.
The salary range for this position is: $71,000 - $104,000.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes but is not limited to:
Medical, Dental, Vision coverages
Paid time off package, including vacation, sick time, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave
401K with company match
Company paid life insurance
Additional benefits at not cost to employee such as: Lifestyle Spending Account, Identity Theft protection, Employee Assistance Program, telemedicine and more!
In addition to your Total Rewards, culture and ED&I are very important to Tate & Lyle. We offer multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that support various communities.
#LI-RF1
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")
The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.
Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.
At Tate & Lyle, our purpose is simple: Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food. We partner with leading food and beverage brands around the world to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that consumers love. Backed by more than 165 years of innovation, our people are passionate about making a positive difference for customers, communities and the planet.
If you're looking to be part of a purpose-led organization where your work can have a real impact, read on to learn more about this opportunity and how you can help shape the future of food.
About the Role
We are looking for an Associate Principal Scientist in Analytical Material Science to strengthen our team and expertise in material characterization and ingredient functionality. This role focuses on understanding how microstructure and physical properties drive product texture, sensory perception, stability, and performance. Using rheology, tribology, microscopy, and advanced data science, you will transform complex experimental data into actionable insights that accelerate innovation. This role balances hands-on advanced laboratory analysis with cross-functional project leadership.
Beyond technical excellence, you will bring a strong customer service mindset, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to understand scientific and business needs, provide clear recommendations, and deliver high-quality analytical insights that enable successful product development and customer solutions. Success in this role requires the ability to combine scientific rigor, effective communication, and customer-focused problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead characterization of ingredients and multiphase food systems using advanced material science techniques, including rheology, tribology, microscopy, particle characterization and related material science techniques.
- Utilize and maintain high-end physical and chemical profiling tools such as rheometers, tribometers, particle size analyzers and microscopy (SEM/optical microscopes).
- Design and execute experiments to understand structure-function relationships and the impact of ingredient composition, processing, and formulation on product performance.
- Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods and characterization workflows.
- Apply DoE, multivariate statistics, and data science tools to analyze complex datasets and identify key drivers of ingredient functionality.
- Build predictive models linking material properties and microstructure to texture, sensory attributes, stability, and processability.
- Partner closely with Product Development, Application Science, Process Engineering, Regulatory, and Sensory teams to solve complex formulation challenges and scale up pilot operations.
- Act as the subject matter expert for technical sales and customer-facing teams, providing scientific guidance, supporting customer engagements, and translating complex material science data into actionable insights and customer-focused solutions.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the growth of analytical and material science capabilities.
- Communicate technical findings effectively through presentations, reports, scientific publications, and stakeholder discussions.
Key Competencies
- Scientific curiosity and problem-solving mindset
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Data science and statistical modeling capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to influence and collaborate across functions
- Technical leadership and mentoring capability
- Project management and prioritization skills
- Ability to translate complex scientific insights into business impact
Qualifications
- PhD in Material Science, Food Science, Polymer Science, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
- 3+ years (or 6+ years with a Master’s degree) of experience in industrial or applied research within food ingredients, food technology, biomaterials, or related sectors.
- Proven track record in food physics, soft matter rheology, and the structural properties of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
- Proficient in Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical software platforms (e.g., Minitab, Python, R, or JMP) for multivariate data analysis.
- Preferably knowledgeable in analytical chemistry, such as mass spectrometry, chromatography and other techniques.
What we can offer you
Tate & Lyle complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency. When determining final compensation, we take into consideration: skillset, job scope, knowledge, prior experience, cost of living, market data, budget availability, and other factors as permitted by law.
The salary range for this position is: $71,000 - $104,000.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes but is not limited to:
Medical, Dental, Vision coverages
Paid time off package, including vacation, sick time, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave
401K with company match
Company paid life insurance
Additional benefits at not cost to employee such as: Lifestyle Spending Account, Identity Theft protection, Employee Assistance Program, telemedicine and more!
In addition to your Total Rewards, culture and ED&I are very important to Tate & Lyle. We offer multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that support various communities.
#LI-RF1
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")
The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.
Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.
See All 15 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
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Banking & Financial Services
- Fintech
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, Capital One, and Kraft Heinz, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Glenview 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 25% of associate scientist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 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 15 Associate Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist Jobs