Associate Scientist Jobs in South Dakota
Associate Scientist jobs in South Dakota concentrate in agricultural research, animal health, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, with demand at both entry and mid-career levels across a market that rewards applied laboratory and field science skills. Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Brookings are the primary hiring centers, anchored by employers such as Zoetis, Sanford Health, and South Dakota State University. The most in-demand specialties are analytical chemistry, microbiology, and agricultural biotechnology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Associate Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Associate Scientist jobs
Location:
Worker Type:
RegularWork Shift:
Primarily days with possible weekends/evenings/holidays (United States of America)Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rate dependent upon experience.
$22.75 - $44.00Position Highlights
Shifts:
Monday: 0630-1700
Tuesdays: Off
Wednesday: 0630-1700
Thursday: 0630-1700
Friday: 0630-1700
On-call every Thursday
On-call coverage evenings, weekends, and holidays.
You Belong at Avera
Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of Moving Health Forward for you and our patients. Work where you matter.
A Brief Overview
Performs a variety of clinical laboratory tests, procedures and related duties. Utilizes scientific principles as well as technical, procedural, and problem-solving aptitudes for day-to-day laboratory technical operations, quality control, quality assurance, procedure/instrument maintenance and corrective action, test result correlation, and clinical laboratory related continuing education.
What you will do
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of laboratory instrumentation or disciplines including but not limited to: supply inventory, quality control, calibration, reagent preparation, etc. Initiates and follows through with corrective action.
- Accurately performs basic to complex clinical laboratory tests utilizing theoretical knowledge and independent judgment in addition to established protocol, techniques and equipment manuals.
- Assumes responsibility for distinguishing between normal and abnormal clinical laboratory parameters and takes actions to assure all abnormals are rechecked. Alerts appropriate staff for abnormal results and documents these actions.
- Communicates laboratory data and pertinent technical information to appropriate departments and individuals in an accurate and timely fashion.
- Critiques, correlates and differentiates results of tests utilizing theoretical knowledge and independent judgment in addition to established protocol, techniques and equipment manuals.
- Participates with development of protocols, lab manuals, new instrumentation, lab CQI or other laboratory developmental activities.
- Provides technical guidance to and be primary resource for various team members. Responsible for training new employees or co-workers on new equipment/procedures as applicable.
- Provides instructions on proper pre-analytical specimen collection, specimen handling, and storage guidelines for various body fluids and/or may collect specimens as necessary.
Essential Qualifications
The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.
Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
- Bachelor's Transcript showing Medical or clinical Laboratory Scientist degree, or a related chemical, physical or biological degree or
- Bachelor's Transcript showing Medical Technology degree
- MLS - American Medical Technologists (AMT) within 1 Year or
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 1 Year
Expectations and Standards
- Commitment to the daily application of Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
- Promote Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
- Uphold Avera’s standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment. Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.
Benefits You Need & Then Some
Avera is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part-time and full-time employees. We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.
PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement
Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship
Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-605-504-4444 or send an email to talent@avera.org .
Location:
Worker Type:
RegularWork Shift:
Primarily days with possible weekends/evenings/holidays (United States of America)Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rate dependent upon experience.
$22.75 - $44.00Position Highlights
Shifts:
Monday: 0630-1700
Tuesdays: Off
Wednesday: 0630-1700
Thursday: 0630-1700
Friday: 0630-1700
On-call every Thursday
On-call coverage evenings, weekends, and holidays.
You Belong at Avera
Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of Moving Health Forward for you and our patients. Work where you matter.
A Brief Overview
Performs a variety of clinical laboratory tests, procedures and related duties. Utilizes scientific principles as well as technical, procedural, and problem-solving aptitudes for day-to-day laboratory technical operations, quality control, quality assurance, procedure/instrument maintenance and corrective action, test result correlation, and clinical laboratory related continuing education.
What you will do
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of laboratory instrumentation or disciplines including but not limited to: supply inventory, quality control, calibration, reagent preparation, etc. Initiates and follows through with corrective action.
- Accurately performs basic to complex clinical laboratory tests utilizing theoretical knowledge and independent judgment in addition to established protocol, techniques and equipment manuals.
- Assumes responsibility for distinguishing between normal and abnormal clinical laboratory parameters and takes actions to assure all abnormals are rechecked. Alerts appropriate staff for abnormal results and documents these actions.
- Communicates laboratory data and pertinent technical information to appropriate departments and individuals in an accurate and timely fashion.
- Critiques, correlates and differentiates results of tests utilizing theoretical knowledge and independent judgment in addition to established protocol, techniques and equipment manuals.
- Participates with development of protocols, lab manuals, new instrumentation, lab CQI or other laboratory developmental activities.
- Provides technical guidance to and be primary resource for various team members. Responsible for training new employees or co-workers on new equipment/procedures as applicable.
- Provides instructions on proper pre-analytical specimen collection, specimen handling, and storage guidelines for various body fluids and/or may collect specimens as necessary.
Essential Qualifications
The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.
Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
- Bachelor's Transcript showing Medical or clinical Laboratory Scientist degree, or a related chemical, physical or biological degree or
- Bachelor's Transcript showing Medical Technology degree
- MLS - American Medical Technologists (AMT) within 1 Year or
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 1 Year
Expectations and Standards
- Commitment to the daily application of Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
- Promote Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
- Uphold Avera’s standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment. Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.
Benefits You Need & Then Some
Avera is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part-time and full-time employees. We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.
PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement
Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship
Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-605-504-4444 or send an email to talent@avera.org .
See All 22 Associate Scientist Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs by City in South Dakota
Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Scientist Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate scientist jobs across South Dakota.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline required
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard analytical instruments and documentation practices
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice or Good Manufacturing Practice regulatory standards
- Proficiency in data analysis software and scientific record-keeping systems
- Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional research or quality assurance teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports and summaries
Associate Scientist Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a associate scientist in South Dakota?
Most associate scientist roles in South Dakota require a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution. South Dakota does not require a state-issued license specifically for associate scientists, but roles in certain sectors, such as clinical laboratory work, may require credentials through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota both offer relevant undergraduate programs that South Dakota employers recognize and actively recruit from.
Which companies hire associate scientists in South Dakota?
South Dakota associate scientist roles are posted by Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Sioux Center Health and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. South Dakota's concentration of agricultural science, animal health, and healthcare research employers makes it a steady market for associate-level scientists seeking applied research roles.
Which South Dakota cities have the most associate scientist jobs?
Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Vermillion have the most associate scientist openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls leads due to its concentration of healthcare systems and bioscience employers, Brookings draws openings through South Dakota State University's research programs and nearby agricultural industry partners, and Rapid City reflects demand from regional healthcare and environmental science organizations serving western South Dakota.
Are there remote associate scientist jobs in South Dakota?
Yes, but they're rare. Associate scientist work is largely hands-on, involving laboratory procedures, sample handling, and instrument operation that require physical presence at a facility. About 20% of associate scientist openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the limited but real subset of data-oriented or regulatory affairs positions that can be performed off-site. Roles focused on data analysis, documentation, or scientific writing are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a associate scientist in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for laboratory technician or research assistant roles at South Dakota State University, Sanford Health, or Zoetis, which regularly hire candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree and limited hands-on experience. Completing an undergraduate research project, a co-op placement, or a summer internship through SDSU's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences strengthens a new graduate's application considerably. Candidates who hold a scientific certification or have documented proficiency with standard laboratory instruments stand out most in South Dakota's applied science hiring market.
Where can I find and apply to associate scientist jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to associate scientist jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across Sioux Falls, Brookings, Rapid City, and other South Dakota locations. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 22 Associate Scientist Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist Jobs