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.
Oceanographic Technology Specialist II - Coastal Modeler
$81K - $91K *
Elevate your career by leading the development and enhancement of coastal models, analyzing hydrodynamic data, and contributing to innovative oceanographic products that support maritime safety and en...
2 weeks ago
Staff Data Scientist / Technical Lead (Full-Stack / Production ML)
$160K - $170K *
Lead a high-output data science team, driving end-to-end project delivery and technical direction. Engage deeply in data engineering, governance, and production model delivery while collaborating with...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs
$120K - $145K *
Transform regulatory strategies for rare disease and cardio-pulmonary drug-device programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive successful submissions globally, supp...
2 weeks ago
Advisor, Bio Sample Operations - DMPK
$153K - $268K *
Empower your career by leading bio sample operations across clinical studies. Oversee end-to-end processes, ensuring compliance and quality while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external...
4 days ago
Sr. Data Scientist, Forward-Deployed
$168K - $230K *
Lead impactful data science initiatives by measuring engagement outcomes and building customer models. Collaborate with senior data scientists to drive analytics that directly influence business succe...
Today
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs
$160K - $200K *
Champion regulatory strategy and submissions for clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical programs. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and quality in regulatory communications, while leadin...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $125K *
Join our team as a Technical Lead, guiding product development and execution while mentoring cross-functional teams. Drive architecture, oversee CI/CD processes, and ensure compliance in a dynamic fed...
Yesterday
$105K - $125K *
Drive technical leadership and product strategy for federal programs, guiding teams through agile processes, architecture maintenance, and CI/CD practices while ensuring compliance and security for VA...
Yesterday
$105K - $125K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of federal technology solutions. As a Technical Lead, you'll guide product development, oversee architecture, and mentor teams while ensuring compliance and secur...
Yesterday
$105K - $125K *
Lead technical initiatives for federal programs, guiding teams in architecture, sprint execution, and product releases while ensuring compliance and security. Mentor peers and represent products in go...
Yesterday
$105K - $125K *
Engage as a Technical Lead, guiding product architecture and sprint execution while mentoring teams and ensuring compliance with VA standards. Drive technical strategy and oversee troubleshooting for...
Yesterday
$105K - $125K *
Engage as a key technical leader, guiding product development and execution while overseeing architecture, CI/CD processes, and team mentorship in a dynamic federal environment...
Yesterday
$83K - $116K *
Tackle complex technical challenges by delivering exceptional field support for bioprocessing products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfaction and drive service excel...
1 week ago
$135K - $155K *
Drive innovation as you develop and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance advertising measurement products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to maximize ROI and shape technology at sc...
1 week ago
Journeyman Management Analyst (Modeler)
$100K - $115K *
Transform stakeholder insights into actionable solutions by gathering and analyzing business requirements. Collaborate with teams to create process models and ensure compliance, delivering high-qualit...
6 days ago
Senior Engineer, Data Engineering
$144K - $165K *
Unlock potential by owning data architecture and reliability across domains. Collaborate with an AI-first team to design robust data pipelines, enhance analytics, and drive impactful solutions in a dy...
Today
$126K - $160K *
Drive impactful software solutions by collaborating with sales teams, leading demos, and managing technical inquiries. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer experiences and support enterprise tr...
6 days ago
Senior Director, Head of Analytical Development
$250K - $275K *
Transform the future of drug development by leading Analytical Development for small molecules and oligonucleotides. Drive scientific strategy, build a high-performing team, and ensure regulatory read...
2 weeks ago
Manager of Bioinformatics (Oncology Product Development)
$140K - $175K *
Lead the charge in advancing oncology diagnostics by managing a team of bioinformaticians and data scientists, driving product development, and ensuring high-quality analysis and validation of ctDNA-b...
Today
$330K - $390K *
Join a team that's driving enterprise-level strategic statistical leadership across Biostatistics. You'll oversee programs, mentor statisitians, and ensure collaboration for successful drug developmen...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Associate/Sr. Associate, Academic Partnering, Asset Acquisition
$130K - $150K *
Advance innovative therapeutic programs targeting genetically driven diseases through strategic sourcing, relationship building, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring a patient-first approach i...
Today
Associate Director, State Partnerships
$82K - $89K *
Join a team that's advancing cancer care through strategic partnerships and policy influence. This role engages with key stakeholders to enhance patient-centered care and drive organizational prioriti...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Healthcare Transformation
$140K - $150K *
Drive transformative initiatives in cancer care navigation. Influence strategic partnerships and implement scalable programs that enhance patient access to evidence-based care, ensuring equity across...
4 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist II, Core & Agentic Automation
$186K - $219K *
Champion data science initiatives by defining KPIs, leading analytics frameworks, and mentoring teams. Drive decision-making through trusted metrics and scalable workflows, aligning cross-functional p...
6 days ago
Senior Data Scientist II, Core & Agentic Automation
$183K - $216K *
Unlock your potential by leading data science initiatives that drive impactful decision-making and enhance analytical frameworks across teams, ensuring rigorous performance standards and scalable self...
6 days ago
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.