Research Associate, Life Sciences Jobs

Research Associate, Life Sciences jobs are open from entry-level to senior across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and academic research, with common specializations in molecular biology, cell biology, and genomics. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles253+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerGuidehouse
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Work type94% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 253+ Research Associate, Life Sciences jobs

Johns Hopkins University
Managing Director, Life Sciences Research Initiative
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Johns Hopkins University
Added 1d ago
Managing Director, Life Sciences Research Initiative
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Hybrid
Doctorate
10,000+

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Anthropic
Research Scientist, Life Sciences
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Anthropic
Added 3d ago
Research Scientist, Life Sciences
Anthropic
San Francisco, California
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
$300k - $320k/yr
Doctoral degree in Computer Science
51-200

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PAVIR
Life Sciences Research Assistant – Vascular Disease and Muscle Injury
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PAVIR
Added 3d ago
Life Sciences Research Assistant – Vascular Disease and Muscle Injury
PAVIR
Palo Alto, California
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Bachelor's
201-500

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PAVIR
Life Sciences Research Assistant - Kidney Stone Research Program
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PAVIR
Added 3d ago
Life Sciences Research Assistant - Kidney Stone Research Program
PAVIR
Palo Alto, California
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Bachelor's
201-500

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Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Research Assistant, Department of Life Sciences
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Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Added 4d ago
Research Assistant, Department of Life Sciences
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Albany, New York
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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Top Cities Hiring Research Associate, Life Sciencess

Explore research Associate, life sciences openings in the cities hiring most right now.

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Research Associate, Life Sciences Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • Guidehouse
    Guidehouse24
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Thermo Fisher Scientific13
  • Indiana University
    Indiana University9
  • Genentech
    Genentech6
  • Kennesaw State University
    Kennesaw State University5

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education122
  • Consulting & Professional Services40
  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals32
  • Science & Research31
  • Healthcare & Medical Services17

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in research Associate, life sciences jobs.

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related life sciences field
  • Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture
  • Proficiency in laboratory data recording and maintaining accurate experimental notebooks
  • Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice or Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines
  • Experience operating and maintaining laboratory instruments including spectrophotometers or flow cytometers
  • Ability to analyze experimental data using statistical software or scientific data analysis tools

Tips for Your Research Associate, Life Sciences Job Search

Tailor your resume to each assay

Hiring managers scan for the specific techniques you've run hands-on, not just lab experience in general. List each assay, instrument, or platform you've operated, such as flow cytometry, Western blot, or qPCR, and note the context in which you used it.

Highlight GLP and GMP exposure early

Regulated biotech and pharma postings screen hard for Good Laboratory Practice and Good Manufacturing Practice familiarity. If you've worked under either framework, call it out in your summary and in the relevant role description so it's visible before a recruiter scrolls.

Filter openings by research phase

Research associate, life sciences roles in early discovery look very different from those supporting late-stage clinical or process development. Narrow your search by reading the pipeline stage or department name in each posting so your application matches the actual work environment.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists research associate, life sciences openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.

Prepare a bench skills narrative for interviews

Interviewers often ask you to walk through an experiment from start to troubleshooting. Practice describing a real protocol you've optimized or a failure you diagnosed, focusing on your reasoning at each decision point rather than just the outcome.

Negotiate start date before accepting

Life sciences employers often move slowly on onboarding paperwork, IRB clearances, or lab access credentials. Confirm the actual bench start date, not just the offer date, so you're not waiting weeks without pay or clear direction on day one.

Research Associate, Life Sciences Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most research associate, life sciencess?

The most active employers for research associate, life sciencess right now are Guidehouse, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Indiana University, and the most openings are in California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand tends to concentrate at contract research organizations, large pharmaceutical companies, and biotech startups with active pipelines.

How many research associate, life sciences jobs are remote?

About 6% of research associate, life sciences openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which is lower than most professional roles because hands-on bench work is required for the majority of positions. Bioinformatics, regulatory affairs support, and data analysis sub-roles within life sciences are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.

How do you become a research associate, life sciences?

Most research associate, life sciences roles require at minimum a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a closely related field, combined with hands-on laboratory experience gained through coursework, internships, or undergraduate research programs. Building proficiency in techniques like cell culture, PCR, and assay development is essential. A master's degree strengthens candidacy for roles in more specialized or regulated settings such as clinical research or biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Can you get a research associate, life sciences job with little or no experience?

Entry-level research associate, life sciences positions do exist and are often filled by recent graduates who can demonstrate hands-on lab skills from academic research or internships, even if they have no industry experience. Emphasizing specific techniques you've performed, any publications or poster presentations, and familiarity with lab documentation practices will strengthen your application against candidates with more years on the clock.

What does the research associate, life sciences interview process look like?

Most hiring processes for research associate, life sciences roles begin with a recruiter or HR phone screen focused on your background and availability, followed by a technical interview with the hiring manager or a senior scientist where you'll discuss specific experiments, troubleshooting approaches, and relevant techniques. Some employers include a brief lab practical or ask you to present a past project. A final round with team members or leadership typically closes the process before an offer is extended.

Where can I find and apply to research associate, life sciences jobs?

You can find and apply to research associate, life sciences jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and goals.

See All 253+ Research Associate, Life Sciences Jobs

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