Associate Scientist Jobs in Missouri
Associate Scientist jobs in Missouri are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in biopharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and medical device research across a state that hosts a notable cluster of life sciences and agricultural science employers. St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia are the primary hiring centers, where companies like Bayer, Pfizer, and Mercy Health have deep, lasting footprints. The most in-demand specialties are analytical chemistry, cell biology, and quality control sciences. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Associate Scientist JobsOverview
Open roles12
Top employerMerck KGaA
Top citySt. Louis, MO
Cities hiring6
Work type100% On-site
Top industryConsulting
Showing 5 of 12+ Associate Scientist jobs
Research Scientist and/or Postdoctoral Associate
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Added 5d ago
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Research Scientist and/or Postdoctoral Associate
St. Louis, Missouri
Added 5d ago
R&D Associate Scientist – Process Design and Validation
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Added 6d ago
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
R&D Associate Scientist – Process Design and Validation
Springfield, Missouri
Added 6d ago
Associate Scientist - Mass Spec Production (LC-MS/MS)
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Added 1w ago
KCAS BIO
Associate Scientist - Mass Spec Production (LC-MS/MS)
Kansas City, Missouri
Added 1w ago
GMP Associate Production Scientist - Rotating Shift
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Added 3w ago
Merck KGaA
GMP Associate Production Scientist - Rotating Shift
St. Louis, Missouri
Added 3w ago
GMP Associate Production Scientist - Night Shift
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Added 1mo ago
Merck KGaA
GMP Associate Production Scientist - Night Shift
St. Louis, Missouri
Added 1mo ago
Added 5d ago
Research Scientist and/or Postdoctoral Associate
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center·St. Louis, Missouri
Job functions:
Doctoral degree in biochemistry
51-200 employees
Job Description
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is launching a multi-lab research initiative to improve food and cover crops for global food security, agricultural sustainability, and innovation. To support this effort, we are recruiting multiple full time benefits eligible scientists to join laboratories across the Center. These positions span a shared portfolio of projects that incorporate gene editing, plant transformation, quantitative genetics, and analytical biochemistry.
This is a single call for several openings at our independent, nonprofit research institute located in St. Louis. We encourage mission-motivated candidates with backgrounds in any of the skill areas described below to apply; applications will be matched to the laboratory and project that best fit each candidate's expertise and interests. Successful candidates will work in a highly collaborative, well-resourced environment with access to the Center's world-class core facilities, including the Plant Growth Facility, Plant Transformation Facility, the Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory, the Bioanalytical Chemistry Facility, the Data Science Core, the Phenotyping Facility, and the Danforth Field Research Site.
Responsibilities:
- Independently designs and conducts research, develops and presents reports based on research findings.
- Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
- Maintains knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
- Assists PI in writing research reports, grants and proposals, and may serve as co-PI.
- Mentors graduate students and junior lab members on research techniques and protocols.
- Makes contributions to scientific publications and participates in conferences in their fields.
- Writes and assembles sections of patent applications and/or scientific papers of broad scope within and outside their immediate area of expertise.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and direct independent research
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of handling complex and multidisciplinary datasets
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for publications, proposals, and team leadership
- Experience mentoring students or junior staff in research settings
- Track record of scholarly publications and contributions to the scientific community
- Understanding of intellectual property, scientific publishing, and research grant processes
- Capacity to think creatively and strategically about new research directions
- Collaborative spirit and the ability to engage with cross-functional and cross-disciplinary teams
- Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship
Who we're looking for
We are hiring across a range of participating laboratories and research areas. Depending on the position, projects address challenges such as increasing yield and nutritional quality in cassava, sorghum, cowpea, and maize; engineering disease and drought resilience; developing cover crops and perennial grains for regenerative agriculture; advancing plant transformation and gene-editing platforms.
Gene editing and molecular biology
- CRISPR/Cas design and multiplexed editing in crop species, construct assembly, and molecular characterization of edited and transgenic lines.
- Plant transformation, tissue culture, and regeneration, including work with recalcitrant genotypes and morphogenic regulator systems.
- Trait engineering through overexpression, targeted knockout, and gene stacking (e.g., disease resistance, biofortification).
Genomics, computational biology, and AI
- Quantitative and population genetics, GWAS, genomic and phenomic prediction, and pangenome-enabled analyses.
- Machine learning and computer vision applied to image, genomic, environmental, and process data — including predictive models for transformation efficiency and decision-support tools.
- Bioinformatics and data integration across multimodal datasets, with strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R) and reproducible workflows.
Plant Biology, physiology, biochemistry, soil science, and microbiology
- In-field high-throughput phenotyping to evaluate developmental timing and trajectories, reproductive and vegetative yield, below-ground architecture and root anatomy, and senescence dynamics.
- Analytical characterization of grain and root quality — protein digestibility, amino acid profiling, mineral and phytate content, and processing effects.
- Plant–microbe interactions, including plant-virus interactions, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and engineered microbial consortia for soil health.
- Crop physiology related to regenerative agriculture systems, nutrient-use efficiency, water-use efficiency, drought and heat resilience, and stress tolerance.
- Plant–soil interface dynamics, including the characterization of soil structure, chemical composition, and gas flux profiles within diverse cash and cover crop systems.
Qualifications
- A PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, plant breeding, physiology, biochemistry, computational biology, agricultural engineering, agroecology, or a closely related field.
- A record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
- Specific requirements vary by laboratory; relevant hands-on experience in one or more of the skill areas above is expected for each position.
How to apply
Submit a cover letter (clearly indicating your areas of expertise and any project areas of particular interest), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references through the Danforth Center careers portal at danforthcenter.org/careers. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Research Scientist and/or Postdoctoral Associate
St. Louis, Missouri
Added 5d ago51-200 employees
Job functions:
Doctoral degree in biochemistry
Job Description
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is launching a multi-lab research initiative to improve food and cover crops for global food security, agricultural sustainability, and innovation. To support this effort, we are recruiting multiple full time benefits eligible scientists to join laboratories across the Center. These positions span a shared portfolio of projects that incorporate gene editing, plant transformation, quantitative genetics, and analytical biochemistry.
This is a single call for several openings at our independent, nonprofit research institute located in St. Louis. We encourage mission-motivated candidates with backgrounds in any of the skill areas described below to apply; applications will be matched to the laboratory and project that best fit each candidate's expertise and interests. Successful candidates will work in a highly collaborative, well-resourced environment with access to the Center's world-class core facilities, including the Plant Growth Facility, Plant Transformation Facility, the Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory, the Bioanalytical Chemistry Facility, the Data Science Core, the Phenotyping Facility, and the Danforth Field Research Site.
Responsibilities:
- Independently designs and conducts research, develops and presents reports based on research findings.
- Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
- Maintains knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
- Assists PI in writing research reports, grants and proposals, and may serve as co-PI.
- Mentors graduate students and junior lab members on research techniques and protocols.
- Makes contributions to scientific publications and participates in conferences in their fields.
- Writes and assembles sections of patent applications and/or scientific papers of broad scope within and outside their immediate area of expertise.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and direct independent research
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of handling complex and multidisciplinary datasets
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for publications, proposals, and team leadership
- Experience mentoring students or junior staff in research settings
- Track record of scholarly publications and contributions to the scientific community
- Understanding of intellectual property, scientific publishing, and research grant processes
- Capacity to think creatively and strategically about new research directions
- Collaborative spirit and the ability to engage with cross-functional and cross-disciplinary teams
- Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship
Who we're looking for
We are hiring across a range of participating laboratories and research areas. Depending on the position, projects address challenges such as increasing yield and nutritional quality in cassava, sorghum, cowpea, and maize; engineering disease and drought resilience; developing cover crops and perennial grains for regenerative agriculture; advancing plant transformation and gene-editing platforms.
Gene editing and molecular biology
- CRISPR/Cas design and multiplexed editing in crop species, construct assembly, and molecular characterization of edited and transgenic lines.
- Plant transformation, tissue culture, and regeneration, including work with recalcitrant genotypes and morphogenic regulator systems.
- Trait engineering through overexpression, targeted knockout, and gene stacking (e.g., disease resistance, biofortification).
Genomics, computational biology, and AI
- Quantitative and population genetics, GWAS, genomic and phenomic prediction, and pangenome-enabled analyses.
- Machine learning and computer vision applied to image, genomic, environmental, and process data — including predictive models for transformation efficiency and decision-support tools.
- Bioinformatics and data integration across multimodal datasets, with strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R) and reproducible workflows.
Plant Biology, physiology, biochemistry, soil science, and microbiology
- In-field high-throughput phenotyping to evaluate developmental timing and trajectories, reproductive and vegetative yield, below-ground architecture and root anatomy, and senescence dynamics.
- Analytical characterization of grain and root quality — protein digestibility, amino acid profiling, mineral and phytate content, and processing effects.
- Plant–microbe interactions, including plant-virus interactions, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and engineered microbial consortia for soil health.
- Crop physiology related to regenerative agriculture systems, nutrient-use efficiency, water-use efficiency, drought and heat resilience, and stress tolerance.
- Plant–soil interface dynamics, including the characterization of soil structure, chemical composition, and gas flux profiles within diverse cash and cover crop systems.
Qualifications
- A PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, plant breeding, physiology, biochemistry, computational biology, agricultural engineering, agroecology, or a closely related field.
- A record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
- Specific requirements vary by laboratory; relevant hands-on experience in one or more of the skill areas above is expected for each position.
How to apply
Submit a cover letter (clearly indicating your areas of expertise and any project areas of particular interest), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references through the Danforth Center careers portal at danforthcenter.org/careers. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
See All 12 Associate Scientist Jobs in Missouri
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Find Associate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs by City in Missouri
Where Missouri roles are concentrated, by current openings.
St. Louis
5 jobsKansas City
3 jobsColumbia
1 jobOlivette
1 jobSpringfield
1 jobChesterfield
1 jobAssociate Scientist Job Market in Missouri
A snapshot from current Missouri openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Missouri Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate scientist jobs across Missouri.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with cell culture, assay development, or analytical instrumentation
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice and quality documentation standards
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as statistical software or laboratory information management systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional research team collaboration
- Experience or coursework in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, Western blot, or ELISA
Associate Scientist Jobs in Missouri: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a associate scientist in Missouri?
Most associate scientist roles in Missouri require at minimum a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, and many employers in St. Louis's biopharmaceutical corridor or Kansas City's agriscience sector expect some laboratory coursework or internship experience. Missouri does not issue a state license for the associate scientist title itself, so your path is through education, hands-on lab training, and certifications such as those offered through the American Chemical Society or the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Which companies hire associate scientists in Missouri?
Employers hiring associate scientists in Missouri right now include Merck KGaA, Eurofins, and Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Missouri's concentration of agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and academic research institutions keeps demand for this role steady throughout the year.
Which Missouri cities have the most associate scientist jobs?
St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia have the most associate scientist openings in Missouri. St. Louis dominates due to its established biopharmaceutical and medical research clusters, while Kansas City's agricultural biotechnology and health system employers drive demand there, and Columbia benefits from the University of Missouri's research operations and affiliated medical institutions drawing both academic and commercial lab roles.
Are there remote associate scientist jobs in Missouri?
Yes, but they're rare. Associate scientist work is primarily hands-on and laboratory-based, which limits remote arrangements significantly. About 0% of associate scientist openings tied to Missouri are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve data analysis, regulatory writing, or scientific documentation rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a associate scientist in Missouri with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an internship or co-op with one of Missouri's large research employers while completing your degree, particularly at St. Louis-area biopharmaceutical companies or the University of Missouri system's research divisions in Columbia. Look for new-graduate laboratory technician or research associate roles as lateral starting points, since many Missouri employers promote into the associate scientist title from within. Completing ACS certification or gaining documented proficiency with core techniques like PCR or HPLC strengthens a candidate with limited formal experience.
Where can I find and apply to associate scientist jobs in Missouri?
You can find and apply to associate scientist jobs in Missouri on Migrate Mate, which lists current Missouri openings. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 12 Associate Scientist Jobs in Missouri
Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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