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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Overview

Open roles47
Top employerWashington University in St. Louis
Top citySt. Louis, MO
Cities hiring6
Work type85% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 47+ Research Associate jobs

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hybrid) - Emergency Medicine
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Added 2d ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hybrid) - Emergency Medicine
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Administrative & Office Support
Program Management
Project Management
Hybrid
10,000+

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Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Added 4d ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiology
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Added 4d ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Radiology
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
Doctoral degree in neuroscience
10,000+

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Research Associate, Scientific Services
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Added 5d ago
Research Associate, Scientific Services
Altasciences
Columbia, Missouri
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Medical Specialists
Bachelor's degree in animal science
1,001-5,000

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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Orthopedic Surgery
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Added 1w ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Orthopedic Surgery
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
10,000+

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See All 47 Research Associate Jobs in Missouri

Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Research Associate Jobs by City in Missouri

Where Missouri roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Kansas City
8 jobs
Columbia
3 jobs
Rolla
1 job
O'Fallon
1 job
Creve Coeur
1 job

Research Associate Job Market in Missouri

A snapshot from current Missouri openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Washington University in St. Louis26
  • IQVIA4
  • Altasciences2
  • Solis Agrosciences2
  • Saint Louis University2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
  • Science & Research
  • Construction & Real Estate
  • 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, IQVIA, and Altasciences, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 15% of research associate openings tied to Missouri are remote or hybrid as of November 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 47 Research Associate Jobs in Missouri

Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Research Associate Jobs