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.
Senior Business Systems Architect
$167K - $183K *
Lead the charge in optimizing G&A technology solutions, enhancing business processes through AI and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive efficiency and compliance, ensuring scalable grow...
3 weeks ago
Principal Decision Scientist, Applied Optimization and Simulation 2026 - US
$130K - $155K *
Lead decision science projects, guiding teams and delivering data-driven solutions for Federal clients using machine learning and optimization techniques. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure impac...
4 weeks ago
$115K - $130K *
Unlock potential by driving data analysis and interpreting clinical trial results. Collaborate with stakeholders, ensure statistical integrity, and contribute to innovative methodologies in biostatist...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
$82K - $131K *
Engage in regulatory leadership for complex, federally regulated clinical trials. Oversee study start-up, compliance, and mentoring while ensuring adherence to federal regulations and best practices f...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Director Analyst - Digital Workplace - Enterprise Application Architecture and Operations
$172K - $202K *
Innovate within identity and access management by providing expert insights and strategies to clients on best practices in identity governance, privileged access, and AI tools, enhancing cybersecurity...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Deputy Director, Partnerships & Technical Integration
$196K - $210K *
Partner with us to shape the future of semiconductor workforce development by aligning industry needs with educational strategies, fostering partnerships, and leading initiatives that ensure technical...
Reposted today
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in advancing AI safety research by defining impactful agendas, mentoring teams, and driving real-world change through innovative projects and collaborations with governments and AI lab...
3 weeks ago
Senior Lead, Clinical Project Manager
$120K - $145K *
Deliver leadership and governance for global clinical study management, ensuring projects meet timelines and budgets while fostering collaboration and operational excellence across teams and stakehold...
2 weeks ago
Executive Director, Clinical Supply Management
$280K - $300K *
Shape the future of clinical supply management by leading strategy and execution for transformative therapies. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely delivery of investigational products, whi...
2 weeks ago
$250K *
Inspire innovation by engaging with Federal customers to implement cutting-edge quantum security solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate complex needs into actionable proposals, driving...
1 week ago
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by leading sales strategies across the US. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive growth, develop client relationships, and deliver impactful presentations while navigating indus...
6 days ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining nuclear power engineering by designing innovative systems and leading projects that enhance plant operations and safety. Collaborate with clients and drive impactful modi...
1 week ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead engineering projects in nuclear power systems design, focusing on modifications, analyses, and vendor evaluations. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance...
1 week ago
$162K - $190K *
Lead the charge in developing scalable analytics and KPI frameworks, ensuring trusted metrics drive impactful business decisions. Collaborate cross-functionally to standardize measurement and enhance...
1 week ago
Principal Researcher, Benchmarks, Evaluation, and Standards
$133K - $197K *
Drive impactful research by leading technical evaluations and benchmarks in AI. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure principled guidance that integrates social and technical considerations...
1 week ago
Senior Global Marketing Manager (Molecular)
$129K - $193K *
Drive growth in molecular diagnostics by creating market strategies, launching campaigns, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance transplant patient outcomes globally. Shape compelling narrati...
2 weeks ago
Senior Life Sciences Analyst, AI Model Training
$110K - $130K *
Empower life sciences innovation by evaluating AI model outputs, ensuring quality and accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance predictive analytics and insights, bridging clinical...
2 weeks ago
Principal Business Development Manager
$157K - $197K *
Unlock potential by driving revenue growth through new customer acquisition and market expansion. This strategic role focuses on building executive relationships, executing targeted penetration strate...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Execute project development and implementation, managing budgets, schedules, and vendor tasks while ensuring quality standards and fostering collaboration across teams and clients...
3 weeks ago
Senior Red Team Engineer - Frontier AI Security (Remote US)
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in advanced security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture through hands-on penetration testing and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Mentor...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Research, Institute of Coaching
$180K - $210K *
Lead the charge in advancing research for coaching practices, ensuring scientific integrity, guiding educational strategies, and mentoring future research leaders to enhance the Institute's credibilit...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Strategy & Decision Analyst
$120K - $145K *
Help us ensure high-quality decision-making by collaborating with leaders to frame strategies and analyze options, driving impactful decisions that align with organizational goals and values while fos...
Today
$182K - $252K *
Champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging deep analytics expertise to guide product, marketing, and finance leaders. Drive strategic insights and build innovative tools that enhance business...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Empower compliance excellence by leading audits, risk assessments, and investigations. Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to healthcare regulations and promote ethical practices while adapting...
3 weeks 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.