Explore Staff Scientist opportunities for experienced researchers and scientific professionals. Staff Scientists lead and support research programs, design experiments, analyze data, develop methods, and share findings with scientific and business partners. On Ladders, discover vetted professional roles with salaries of $100,000 or more across research organizations, life sciences, healthcare, technology, government, and academia.
Staff Scientist responsibilities vary by field and employer. The role may involve planning and conducting experiments, managing specialized equipment or laboratory operations, interpreting complex datasets, contributing to publications and proposals, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Many Staff Scientists also guide junior researchers and help set technical direction for a project or research group.
Employers commonly seek deep subject-matter expertise, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and experience with relevant research methods, instruments, or computational tools. A Ph.D. is often preferred or required, though requirements depend on the discipline and position. Clear scientific communication, project management, collaboration, and a record of research contributions can also strengthen an application.
Compensation depends on factors such as specialization, experience, location, employer, and scope of responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates explore Staff Scientist roles that align with their expertise and career goals. Senior opportunities may include increased research leadership, program ownership, or progression into principal scientist and research management positions.
Search Staff Scientist jobs by specialty, location, and employer to find opportunities suited to your background. Review role requirements, tailor your résumé to highlight relevant research outcomes and technical strengths, and explore positions that can advance your scientific career.
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing accelerator physics. Contribute to the maintenance, operation, and innovative upgrades of cutting-edge synchrotron light sources, enh...
1 week ago
Research Scientist I - The Shalek Lab
$100K - $120K *
Analyze and integrate large-scale single-cell data to engineer cell states, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Lead computational efforts, design analyses, and mentor junior researchers in a...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by providing advanced scientific expertise to tackle complex challenges. Lead laboratory operations, guide staff, and collaborate across disciplines to drive innovative solutions in a...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Innovate research strategies to enhance patient outcomes in pancreatic diseases. Lead multidisciplinary initiatives, oversee biospecimen programs, and collaborate with clinical teams to translate disc...
5 days ago
Scientist I/II, Characterization and Composition Analysis
$108K - $170K *
Transform elemental measurements into reliable, machine-readable data while collaborating with AI and software teams to enhance materials characterization and accelerate discovery in this hybrid role...
Reposted 1 week ago
$87K - $198K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing cancer research through innovative experimental design and collaborative leadership, focusing on autoantibody pathobiology and therapeutic development...
1 week ago
Staff Scientist, Modeling Applications
$125K - $160K *
Join us to shape the future of ocean-based CDR research by developing and applying advanced modeling systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ocean alkalinity and drive impactful scientific...
2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist - Systems Analyst
$145K - $220K *
Unlock potential by solving complex challenges in Homeland Protection through cutting-edge modeling, multidisciplinary collaboration, and innovative technology designs, while making impactful recommen...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $105K *
Empower innovation as you develop NGS assays, conduct experiments, and analyze results. Collaborate with teams to enhance existing products and present findings at conferences, driving advancements in...
1 week ago
$136K - $358K *
Transform the future of geriatrics research by leading innovative studies, mentoring emerging scientists, and securing funding to advance knowledge in aging and palliative care. Collaborate with a dyn...
2 weeks ago
Scientist I - Content Development
$120K - $140K *
Drive the development and optimization of multiplex proteomic panels, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality assay performance and deliver reliable data across diverse diseas...
2 weeks ago
Scientist I, Technology Development
$120K - $140K *
Innovate and develop multiplex biomarker assays, leveraging expertise in molecular biology and data analysis to translate novel technologies into robust products while maintaining high-quality standar...
1 week ago
Associate Scientist II - Technology Access Program
$97K - $115K *
Innovate in a dynamic team by developing and optimizing multiplex proteomic panels and NULISA immunoassays. Drive biomarker discovery and validation while managing complex projects and delivering reli...
Yesterday
$60K - $200K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research in your specialty. Lead projects, manage budgets, and support staff while fostering collaboration across functional areas to drive impactful results...
1 week ago
Scientist II/Senior Characterization Scientist, Condensed Matter
$128K - $198K *
Join a team that drives the future of superconductivity by developing and implementing advanced characterization workflows. Collaborate with experts in materials science and AI to accelerate high-thro...
Reposted 1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI evaluation by leading rigorous methodologies, collaborating with engineers, and mentoring teams to ensure accurate assessments that drive product innovation and market standards...
2 days ago
$104K - $144K *
Join a team that's pioneering advanced materials and device technologies. Collaborate across disciplines to translate innovative concepts into high-performing solutions, driving research from fundamen...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Unlock new scientific breakthroughs by leading cryo-EM research and mentoring lab members. Collaborate on innovative projects exploring the ubiquitin proteasome system to advance therapeutic strategie...
Reposted 6 days ago
Staff / Senior Scientist, Assay Research
$123K - $187K *
Empower innovation by designing and executing assays that enhance protein sequencing technology. Collaborate across disciplines to establish workflows and optimize components, driving advancements in...
1 week ago
$74K - $119K *
Innovate laboratory research operations by growing high-purity diamond using advanced CVD techniques. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to synthesize new materials and devices, contributing to...
5 days ago
$85K - $125K *
Transform the future of protein analytics by leveraging your expertise in LC-MS and chromatographic techniques. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive product development and regulatory submissions...
6 days ago
$85K - $115K *
Advance analytical excellence at a leading biopharma firm by leveraging expertise in LC-MS and chromatographic techniques to support protein analytics from development to commercialization...
6 days ago
$157K - $196K *
Champion innovative research by leading projects in molecular biology to develop cutting-edge diagnostic tests for early cancer detection. Collaborate cross-functionally and mentor junior scientists t...
1 week ago
Staff Scientist - Microelectronics & Nanofabrication
$129K - $207K *
Transform the future of microelectronics by leading innovative research in nanofabrication. Collaborate with a diverse team to develop cutting-edge materials and techniques, while fostering user engag...
2 weeks ago
$65K - $140K *
Lead the charge in advancing organ donation research through complex quantitative studies. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, execute, and analyze data-driven projects, ensuring scien...
Reposted today
What does a Staff Scientist do?
A Staff Scientist conducts and supports research, designs experiments, analyzes results, maintains expertise in scientific methods or technologies, and collaborates with research teams. Depending on the role, they may also mentor colleagues and contribute to publications, proposals, or research strategy.
What qualifications are typically required for Staff Scientist jobs?
Requirements vary by discipline and employer. Many roles ask for a Ph.D. and relevant research experience, while some accept a master's degree paired with substantial specialized experience. Employers may also expect expertise in field-specific methods, instruments, or data analysis.
How much do Staff Scientists earn?
Staff Scientist pay varies according to field, experience, location, organization, and responsibilities. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more, including eligible Staff Scientist roles.
Where do Staff Scientists work?
Staff Scientists work in settings such as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies, national laboratories, and technology or industrial research organizations.
How can I find Staff Scientist jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional Staff Scientist openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Search by location or specialization and compare requirements to identify roles that fit your experience.