Research and Development Associate Jobs
Research and Development Associate jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, and consumer goods, from entry-level to senior positions, with specializations in formulation, analytical chemistry, and process development. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to high contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets and substellar companions.
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brittany Miles along with staff and engineers from the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the lab and Steward Observatory to support an collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on:
- Integration and commissioning of the first ever, coronagraphic, adaptive optics assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU.
- Development of thermal IR instrumentation and science for the Large Binocular Telescope and 30-meter class telescopes.
Throughout your postdoctoral journey with us, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, as time permits, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research in exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.
UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in space science and astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. We provide direct access to various world-class observational and computational facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing.
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. The Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.Outstanding UA benefits includehealth, dental, vision,and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
- Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on thermal IR instrumentation and the characterization of planetary atmospheres; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
- Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs, etc.) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
- Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a collegial academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
- Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time of hire.
- Candidates with a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics are preferred.
- Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas:
- Experience with operating and testing astronomical instruments.
- Experience with infrared observations and data reduction.
Assistant Professor, Astronomy
bemiles@arizona.edu
Documents Required to apply:
- CV (limit: 2 pages), and list three potential reference writers
- Cover letter
- Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
- List of Publications
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to high contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets and substellar companions.
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brittany Miles along with staff and engineers from the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the lab and Steward Observatory to support an collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on:
- Integration and commissioning of the first ever, coronagraphic, adaptive optics assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU.
- Development of thermal IR instrumentation and science for the Large Binocular Telescope and 30-meter class telescopes.
Throughout your postdoctoral journey with us, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, as time permits, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research in exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.
UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in space science and astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. We provide direct access to various world-class observational and computational facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing.
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. The Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.Outstanding UA benefits includehealth, dental, vision,and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
- Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on thermal IR instrumentation and the characterization of planetary atmospheres; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
- Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs, etc.) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
- Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a collegial academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
- Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time of hire.
- Candidates with a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics are preferred.
- Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas:
- Experience with operating and testing astronomical instruments.
- Experience with infrared observations and data reduction.
Assistant Professor, Astronomy
bemiles@arizona.edu
Documents Required to apply:
- CV (limit: 2 pages), and list three potential reference writers
- Cover letter
- Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
- List of Publications
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
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Find JobsResearch and Development Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Penn State University24
- General Motors (GM)18
- Maverick Power17
- Cook7
- Zymo Research4
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Retail
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research and development associate jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a related science
- Hands-on laboratory experience with techniques relevant to the team's research focus
- Proficiency with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, spectrophotometers, or microscopy
- Ability to design experiments, collect data, and document results in a lab notebook or ELN
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices or Good Manufacturing Practices in a regulated setting
- Strong written communication skills for drafting protocols, SOPs, and technical reports
Tips for Your Research and Development Associate Job Search
Tailor your resume to lab techniques
Hiring managers in R&D scan for specific methods like HPLC, PCR, cell culture, or spectroscopy before reading anything else. List your techniques in a dedicated skills section and reinforce them in your bullet points with outcomes, not just tasks.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists research and development associate openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by research stage
R&D roles split between early-stage discovery work and late-stage development or scale-up. Read each posting carefully for language like 'feasibility,' 'proof of concept,' or 'tech transfer' to understand which phase you'd be supporting and frame your application accordingly.
Align your cover letter to the pipeline
Name the therapeutic area, product category, or material class the company works on and connect it to your own lab experience. Generic cover letters get skipped in R&D hiring because reviewers expect you to understand the science behind what they build.
Prepare for technical screening interviews
Many R&D associate roles include a phone or video screen where a scientist asks you to walk through an experiment you've run, explain a failure you encountered, and describe how you troubleshot it. Practice narrating your bench work out loud before your first interview.
Negotiate start dates around lab transitions
If you're wrapping up a thesis, postdoc, or current project with active experiments, be upfront about your earliest available date during offer negotiations. R&D teams understand lab timelines and most will accommodate a few extra weeks rather than lose a good candidate.
Research and Development Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most research and development associates?
The most active employers for research and development associates right now are Penn State University, General Motors (GM), and Maverick Power, and the most openings are in Pennsylvania, California, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be heaviest at pharmaceutical, medical device, and specialty chemical companies.
How many research and development associate jobs are remote?
About 54% of research and development associate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the role depends on physical lab access. Computational research, data analysis, documentation, and regulatory writing sub-roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become a research and development associate?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in a life or physical science, engineering, or a closely related field, and build hands-on lab skills through coursework, internships, or undergraduate research. Develop proficiency in at least one or two analytical techniques common to your target industry. Gain exposure to documentation standards like SOPs or lab notebooks, and apply to entry-level associate roles that align with your technical background.
Can you get hired as a research and development associate with little experience?
Yes, many employers hire research and development associates directly from undergraduate or master's programs if the candidate has strong lab fundamentals. Undergraduate research projects, co-ops, summer internships, and capstone coursework all count as relevant experience. Emphasize specific techniques you've performed independently, any data you've analyzed, and any protocols you've written or followed, since those signal readiness for bench work without requiring industry tenure.
What does the research and development associate interview process look like?
Most processes start with a recruiter or HR screen focused on your background and availability, followed by a technical interview with a scientist or team lead who will ask you to walk through experiments you've run, explain methodologies, and discuss how you handle unexpected results. Some companies add a written exercise or a short presentation on a past project. Final rounds typically involve meeting multiple team members and sometimes touring the lab.
Where can I find and apply to research and development associate jobs?
You can find and apply to research and development associate jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from companies across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your scientific background and experience level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 242+ Research and Development Associate Jobs
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