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 Responsible AI Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Lead groundbreaking research in AI safety and evaluation, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Drive innovative methodologies and collaborate with top-tier institutions to enhance respo...
1 week ago
Director, GCP Inspection Management- Americas
$172K - $232K *
Lead the GCP Inspection Management team to ensure inspection readiness and compliance. Oversee strategy development, cross-functional collaboration, and risk mitigation for successful regulatory inspe...
2 weeks ago
$142K - $195K *
Empower data-driven decisions by leading complex analyses, mentoring analysts, and collaborating cross-functionally to drive impactful insights and operational excellence across multiple teams...
Today
$105K - $130K *
Empower your career by leading hydrogeology and environmental projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex groundwater challenges, ensuring technical excellence and client sati...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $90K *
Empower data-driven decision-making by analyzing and reporting on research administration data. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance information access and support institutional operations through...
1 week ago
$74K - $113K *
Lead the charge in innovative architectural design for diverse power-related projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet client needs while ensuring...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Innovate with us as a Senior Software Engineer, driving core feature development and automation across the stack. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance scalability and performance in a dynamic, mi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Clinical Trial Manager - Metabolic - U.S.
$112K - $222K *
Lead clinical site management teams through project lifecycle, ensuring effective monitoring and communication. Drive project deliverables, budget management, and sponsor engagement to achieve impactf...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Strategist, where you'll lead data-driven strategies, mentor talent, and drive innovative solutions in healthcare advertising. Collaborate with creative teams to enhanc...
2 days ago
Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs
$170K - $195K *
Lead the charge in global regulatory submissions, managing U.S. INDs and ex-U.S. CTAs. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop strategies, ensure compliance, and drive timely approvals in a fast-pac...
3 weeks ago
Principal Data Scientist - Remote
$112K - $193K *
Shape the future of healthcare data science by leading advanced analytics and machine learning initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex datasets into actionable insigh...
2 days ago
$162K - $238K *
Design and optimize R&D operations to enhance organizational effectiveness through data-driven insights, collaboration, and governance. Partner cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement and e...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower scientific innovation by providing expert installation and maintenance of advanced analytical equipment. Build strong customer relationships while resolving complex issues and ensuring optimal...
6 days ago
Sr Director Analyst - Physical AI Safety & Security
$172K - $202K *
Lead research initiatives on emerging AI safety and security, guiding clients through innovative insights and strategic decisions. Engage with diverse stakeholders to analyze trends and develop compre...
3 weeks ago
Director, Political & Commercial Insights
$140K - $160K *
Lead quantitative research initiatives to provide data-driven insights for clients, leveraging analytics expertise and communications skills to foster strategic partnerships and influence decisions wi...
Reposted 1 week ago
$76K - $95K *
Inspire growth by leveraging agronomic expertise and sales acumen to drive product adoption, influence on-farm decisions, and enhance customer relationships, ultimately accelerating revenue within the...
3 weeks ago
Director of Client Experience, Lab Network
$125K - $160K *
Drive client success in our lab network by managing relationships, ensuring renewals, and identifying growth opportunities. Collaborate across teams to enhance processes and improve client experiences...
1 week ago
$140K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by managing complex studies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones efficien...
2 weeks ago
Senior Identity Governance Engineer
$134K - $201K *
Design and engineer identity governance solutions to ensure secure access across diverse environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement standards, automate workflows, and maintain...
Today
Machine Learning and AI Engineer
$135K - $155K *
Transform digital platforms by developing and integrating AI/ML capabilities, collaborating across teams to deploy reliable solutions in cloud and local environments, and enhancing enterprise applicat...
Today
$116K - $182K *
Lead the charge in clinical study management, overseeing strategy and execution for complex trials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, budget adherence, and timely delivery...
Today
Member of Technical Staff (Software Engineer, GPU Cluster Infrastructure)
$150K - $180K *
Transform our GPU infrastructure into a seamless, self-serve platform for researchers and engineers, ensuring efficient job scheduling, robust reliability, and consistent performance across multiple c...
Reposted today
$72K - $115K *
Partner with us to design and validate predictive models that enhance business processes across various domains, leveraging data science techniques to drive insights and improve decision-making within...
5 days ago
Senior Staff Applied Scientist, Time Series & Demand Forecasting
$150K - $180K *
Lead the scientific direction for our forecasting platform, guiding teams to enhance demand forecasting accuracy and scalability. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in time-series analysis and...
1 week ago
Structural Project Designer - Nuclear
$94K - $143K *
Lead the charge in developing structural designs using advanced modeling software. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to create detailed drawings and resolve design challenges, ensuring timely...
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.