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.
Project Director - Northern Rocky Mountain Solid Waste Lead
$150K - $175K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of solid waste management in the Northern Rocky Mountain region. Lead key projects, manage client relationships, and mentor staff while expanding our practice acr...
Today
Director, State Policy & Government Relations
$176K - $294K *
Lead state policy initiatives and government relations; develop strategies to influence legislation and support enterprise goals in healthcare across multiple states...
Reposted today
Senior Management Analyst, Analytics and Research IT
$74K - $100K *
Drive strategic initiatives by providing high-level management support to the Directors of Analytics and Research IT, coordinating budgets, optimizing workflows, and enhancing team performance to achi...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team leading threat intelligence and detection engineering. Shape strategies to protect diverse industries from cyber threats, while building a high-impact program that...
3 weeks ago
21GRAMS- Senior Project Manager
$110K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining healthcare project management. Lead integrated initiatives, mentor talent, and drive excellence across diverse campaigns while fostering collaboration and innovation in a...
5 days ago
People Technology Analyst, Workday PATT & Benefits
$100K - $120K *
Drive the configuration and enhancement of Workday Absence, Time Tracking, and Benefits systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and support for global employee...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform product security by leading strategy, conducting threat modeling, and collaborating across teams to ensure secure design and compliance. Drive innovation in security practices while mentorin...
2 weeks ago
Senior Advisor, Clinical Pharmacology
$153K - $268K *
Join our team to provide expert clinical pharmacology insights, driving dose selection and study design for innovative therapies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex data into...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by managing and optimizing project-level agreements, ensuring compliance and efficiency in contracting processes while supporting global operations and client needs in a dynamic legal...
1 week ago
Associate Director/Director Project Management
$135K - $160K *
Champion cross-functional project management for drug development, ensuring effective planning, execution, and governance across complex initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive Phase 3 re...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer IV - Windows Instrumentation and Automation
$107K - $190K *
Innovate in the field of scientific software engineering by leading the design and development of cutting-edge Windows applications that drive advanced atomic force microscopy systems and enhance perf...
Reposted yesterday
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's driving innovative launch campaigns, managing complex schedules, and enhancing internal processes. This role requires a proactive leader to oversee launch operations and foster rela...
3 weeks ago
CDO-L Study Lead Engineer (REMOTE)
$120K - $145K *
Drive the advancement of enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) capabilities in contested environments, leading technical studies and architectural development to enhance operat...
6 days ago
DSCA Senior AI/RAG Engineer (Software Development Analyst) - 30714
$160K - $175K *
Pioneer secure, scalable backend solutions as a Senior Developer, integrating AI capabilities within AWS GovCloud. Collaborate across teams to enhance enterprise applications and ensure robust securit...
1 week ago
$76K - $120K *
Take ownership of critical operational pipelines as a Research Statistician, executing analyses and improving processes to ensure the SAT Suite runs smoothly. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...
1 week ago
Applied AI Engineer, Enterprise
$150K - $180K *
Transform enterprise AI deployments by designing, building, and enhancing systems that drive significant business results while fostering strong partnerships with customers and engineering teams...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Discovery Operations
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of discovery operations by leveraging your legal expertise and leadership skills to enhance service delivery and team performance, ensuring top-quality results and efficient workflows...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Field Application Specialist - Public Safety Operations (Canada)
$72K - $95K *
Contribute to public safety operations as a technical expert, enhancing user experience through UAS product demonstrations, training, and support. Travel extensively to engage clients, ensuring operat...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director Continuous Improvement
$120K - $150K *
Champion continuous improvement initiatives by optimizing processes and products across the organization. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and customer experienc...
2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Solution Engineer - Applied AI FDE
$201K - $352K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise AI by building scalable, LLM-enabled applications. Collaborate with customers to deliver impactful solutions, codify reusable assets, and shape the future of A...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Counsel, Diagnostics & Medical Devices
$199K - $321K *
Join a dynamic team to provide strategic legal counsel on diagnostics and medical devices, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and commercial strategies while collaborating across business units...
1 week ago
$80K - $105K *
Join a specialized team to evaluate biological research, ensuring safety against misuse. Utilize your expertise to distinguish legitimate science from potential threats, contributing to AI safety and...
2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Transform cloud infrastructure by leading strategy, team development, and automation. Drive security, reliability, and cost management while collaborating across functions to enhance operational excel...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive clinical data management excellence by leading strategies, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating across functions to support successful clinical trials and regulatory submissions in a dynam...
Today
Senior Advisor, Regulatory Starting Material
$153K - $268K *
Join a team that's advancing regulatory strategies for drug substance manufacturing. Lead the charge in selecting and justifying Regulatory Starting Materials, ensuring compliance with global guidelin...
Reposted 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.