Research Associate Jobs in Missouri
Research Associate jobs in Missouri are concentrated in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia, where major employers such as Washington University in St. Louis, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, and Pfizer maintain active research operations. Demand is strongest in biomedical research, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical development, with openings at every level from entry-level lab positions to senior research roles. Missouri consistently ranks among the more active Midwest markets for research talent, driven by its deep network of academic medical centers and life sciences companies. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.
At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.
Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.
- Conduct laboratory experiments with limited direction and troubleshoot routine experimental problems.
- Perform mouse handling and procedures, genotyping, lung inflation, tissue collection and processing of lung and intestinal samples.
- Maintain mouse colonies and accurate experimental and sample records.
- Collect, analyze and summarize research data and communicate results with the research team.
- Assist with training Research Assistants, students and trainees as needed.
- Master's Degree biological sciences or other related degree and 3-5 years experience research lab experience or
- Bachelor's Degree biological sciences or other related degree and 5-7 years experience research lab experience
- 3–4 years of hands-on mouse experience, including mouse handling and routine experimental procedures preferred
- Experience with mouse genotyping, lung inflation, tissue collection and processing of lung and/or intestinal samples for histology.
- Experience with basic molecular biology and tissue-based laboratory techniques.
- Ability to perform experiments independently with limited supervision and troubleshoot routine laboratory procedures.
- Good organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
- Good oral and written communication skills and ability to work as part of a research team.
The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.
Learn more about Children’s Mercy benefits. Starting Pay:Remote Work/Work from Home:
This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children’s Mercy locations and may not work from home.
EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet:CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.
If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.
Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.
At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.
Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.
- Conduct laboratory experiments with limited direction and troubleshoot routine experimental problems.
- Perform mouse handling and procedures, genotyping, lung inflation, tissue collection and processing of lung and intestinal samples.
- Maintain mouse colonies and accurate experimental and sample records.
- Collect, analyze and summarize research data and communicate results with the research team.
- Assist with training Research Assistants, students and trainees as needed.
- Master's Degree biological sciences or other related degree and 3-5 years experience research lab experience or
- Bachelor's Degree biological sciences or other related degree and 5-7 years experience research lab experience
- 3–4 years of hands-on mouse experience, including mouse handling and routine experimental procedures preferred
- Experience with mouse genotyping, lung inflation, tissue collection and processing of lung and/or intestinal samples for histology.
- Experience with basic molecular biology and tissue-based laboratory techniques.
- Ability to perform experiments independently with limited supervision and troubleshoot routine laboratory procedures.
- Good organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
- Good oral and written communication skills and ability to work as part of a research team.
The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.
Learn more about Children’s Mercy benefits. Starting Pay:Remote Work/Work from Home:
This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children’s Mercy locations and may not work from home.
EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet:CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.
If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.
See All 24 Research Associate Jobs in Missouri
Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Missouri
Where Missouri roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Missouri
A snapshot from current Missouri openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Washington University in St. Louis14
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center3
- bioMerieux1
- Altasciences1
- Pivot Bio1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Missouri Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across Missouri.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard bench techniques such as PCR and cell culture
- Familiarity with GLP or GCP compliance protocols for academic or industry research settings
- Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific documentation using standard research software
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, manuscripts, and grant-related materials
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams on long-term projects
Research Associate Jobs in Missouri: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in Missouri?
Most research associate positions in Missouri require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a life science, social science, or related field, with many employers preferring candidates who have laboratory or fieldwork experience gained during undergraduate study. Missouri does not issue a state license specifically for research associates, so your qualifications are evaluated by employers directly. Gaining experience through university research programs at institutions like the University of Missouri or Washington University in St. Louis is one of the most common paths into the role.
Which companies hire research associates in Missouri?
Employers hiring research associates in Missouri right now include Washington University in St. Louis, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and bioMerieux, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Missouri's strong base of academic medical centers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and independent research institutes keeps demand for research associates consistent throughout the year.
Which Missouri cities have the most research associate jobs?
St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia account for the largest share of research associate openings in Missouri. St. Louis leads due to its dense concentration of academic medical centers, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical operations, while Kansas City draws from its growing healthcare and clinical research sector, and Columbia benefits from the University of Missouri's broad research enterprise anchoring steady institutional hiring.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Missouri?
Yes, but they're rare. Research associate work is often hands-on and lab-based, which limits remote options compared to purely desk-based fields. About 17% of research associate openings tied to Missouri are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the role's reliance on physical lab environments. The functions most likely to appear in remote or hybrid arrangements are data analysis, literature review, and grant writing components of the role.
How can I get hired as a research associate in Missouri with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research assistant or laboratory technician position at one of Missouri's large research universities or hospital systems, where formal new-graduate hiring programs exist. Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri Health Care system, and the Stowers Institute for Medical Research regularly bring on candidates with undergraduate research experience but no professional history. Completing a relevant internship, contributing to a published study, or earning a certification in lab techniques such as flow cytometry gives candidates a measurable edge when competing for these entry-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in Missouri?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Missouri on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to whichever positions fit your experience and goals.
See All 24 Research Associate Jobs in Missouri
Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate Jobs