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.
Research Engineer - RL Infrastructure
$150K - $350K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure to enhance large-scale reinforcement learning and distributed training systems, optimizing performance and efficiency across various layers and...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Head of Research & Early Development
$228K - $342K *
Empower your career by leading strategic project management initiatives across early drug development. Drive process optimization, cultivate high-performing teams, and collaborate with executives to a...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leveraging AI and data analytics to transform application usage data into actionable insights, enhancing performance tracking and reporting across multiple web applications for exe...
5 days ago
Vice President, Regulatory Strategy
$180K - $220K *
Empower global regulatory strategies and drive business growth while leading multidisciplinary collaborations in a fast-paced environment. Leverage your expertise to guide clients through complex regu...
4 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that leads enterprise-wide financial planning and analysis. Collaborate with senior leaders to improve business performance and drive strategic financial outcomes, while managing a dedicat...
4 weeks ago
Senior Platform Infrastructure Engineer - USA Remote
$135K - $150K *
Transform cloud infrastructure at scale while designing robust pipelines and practices. Oversee the integration of security, compliance, and operational standards to support enterprise-wide AI-driven...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Data Scientist - Advanced Analytics
$170K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced analytics and experimentation initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and deploy machine learning solutions, driving data-driven decision-ma...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $161K *
Join a team that's transforming technology landscapes by decoupling complex systems. Lead strategic migrations and ensure seamless transitions to independent environments while maintaining business co...
2 weeks ago
$172K - $237K *
Lead the charge in driving data science initiatives, transforming complex datasets into strategic insights and scalable solutions that impact multiple business areas while fostering cross-functional c...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Sourcing and Subcontracts
$130K - $160K *
Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and oversee subcontract administration, driving compliance and risk management while fostering collaboration across teams to optimize procurement outcomes and enhan...
3 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed AI Engineer (GenAI, AWS)
$180K - $200K *
Advance your career by embedding within client teams to deliver impactful AI solutions. Collaborate closely with stakeholders, tackle real-world challenges, and drive innovation in production environm...
Today
$100K - $165K *
Optimize data systems by designing and maintaining scalable solutions that enhance decision-making. Collaborate across teams, mentor junior engineers, and streamline data processes to ensure high-qual...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...
1 week ago
$95K - $130K *
Lead the charge in clinical trial monitoring, ensuring compliance and quality through oversight, guidance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance site performance and study execution...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $135K *
Shape the future of clinical trials by leading site monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams. Drive quality and efficiency in trial execution while mentoring j...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $130K *
Elevate clinical trial success by overseeing site monitoring, ensuring compliance, and providing leadership. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address site issues, enhance recruitment, and ma...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $130K *
Accelerate clinical trial success by leading site monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance to the CRA team. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve issues and enhance s...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead clinical trial monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address site issues, manage budgets, and provide oversight. Drive successful study e...
3 weeks ago
$128K - $214K *
Help us shape the future of data science by developing advanced analytics and machine learning solutions for federal clients. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive impactful data-driven decisions a...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead engineering efforts by writing production code and mentoring a team. Drive modernization initiatives through Java microservices while managing performance and growth of engineers. Collaborate wit...
Reposted yesterday
$90K - $165K *
Drive the development of a centralized data warehouse for biomedical research, enhancing data integration and functionality. Collaborate with teams to optimize data pipelines and support national rese...
1 week ago
$164K - $205K *
Elevate scientific rigor in real-world evidence development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure agent conceptualization and evaluation meet scientific standards, driving impactful solut...
1 week ago
$133K - $184K *
Join a team that's enhancing threat detection and response capabilities. As a hands-on technical leader, you'll drive security initiatives across cloud, infrastructure, and identity platforms, while m...
2 days ago
$103K - $138K *
Unlock potential by designing and automating secure, scalable AWS cloud platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance infrastructure reliability and streamline software delivery throug...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Global Study Management
$236K - $354K *
Elevate clinical operations by leading global study management, driving strategic vision, and ensuring high-quality trial execution. Collaborate across teams to optimize resources and foster a culture...
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.