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.
Software Engineer - AI Infrastructure
$135K - $160K *
Empower our team as an Infrastructure Product Engineer, innovating scalable solutions and transforming complex infrastructure into impactful capabilities that enhance customer experience and performan...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of security by engineering robust controls for endpoints and email. As a Staff Security Engineer, you'll enhance our security posture, mentor peers, and ensure compliance in a regulat...
3 weeks ago
Project Director-Hydro Projects
$132K - $220K *
Lead the charge in managing Renewable Energy Hydro Projects, driving execution strategies to maximize performance, ensuring timely delivery, and fostering strong customer relationships while overseein...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead all HR functions in a dynamic biotech environment, enhancing employee experience and compliance while driving scalable processes and supporting leadership. Engage with teams to foster growth and...
Yesterday
$90K - $110K *
Accelerate program implementation and stakeholder engagement in pharmaceutical market access. Oversee daily operations, client relations, and staff management while ensuring adherence to budgets and p...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Program Executive, Early Phase
$300K - $350K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in early clinical development. Lead cross-functional strategies and execution for a high-priority program, ensuring alignment and decision-making to advance a pot...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping dynamic pricing solutions by developing algorithmic pay models that enhance courier earnings fairness and marketplace efficiency, collaborating across product and engineerin...
2 weeks ago
Education Research Consulting Senior Associate/Associate Compliance/IRB
$100K - $145K *
Drive impactful solutions by leading project work streams, collaborating with clients, and mentoring junior staff. Leverage innovative analytics and methodologies to address unique challenges and fost...
2 weeks ago
Remote Sensing Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Transform remote sensing capabilities by architecting advanced exploitation pipelines, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and developing innovative tools that enhance space observation analytics and mi...
3 weeks ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Agentic Systems
$160K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI by developing robust machine learning solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and usability of advanced systems, and driv...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Engineering Services Project Management
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing diverse capital improvement projects across facilities. Oversee planning, execution, and compliance to ensure safe, efficient delivery while minimizing operational disrupti...
Reposted today
Global Scientific Evidence Manager, Restorative Procedures
$143K - $196K *
Lead global evidence strategy and drive scientific engagement while collaborating cross-functionally to identify evidence gaps and shape priorities in clinical, R&D, and marketing teams. Make a signif...
5 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Join our team to enhance security and automation in delivery pipelines, driving consistent deployments and compliance through modern DevSecOps practices alongside skilled professionals...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Secret Detection and Vulnerability Research
$138K - $165K *
Drive GitLab's Secret Detection and Vulnerability Research efforts to shape security product outcomes. Own the detection lifecycle, ensure content quality, and leverage AI to enhance operational effic...
Reposted 2 days ago
Clinical Project Manager - Oncology (Client Dedicated/Remote)
$120K - $135K *
Empower clinical research excellence by managing projects that ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and drive successful study delivery from initiation to closeout. Collaborate with interdis...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
FSP - Sr Regulatory Program Manager - client dedicated
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining regulatory excellence by leading global strategies for product development and post-marketing. Drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure timely execution of regulat...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Partner Technology Architecture
$202K - $334K *
Lead the charge in developing a high-performing team of Partner Technology Architects, driving partner growth through technical excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption while ensuring impactful...
6 days ago
$225K - $265K *
Lead and mentor a diverse team of backend engineers in EDR remediation, transforming insights into actionable product capabilities while managing scope and fostering collaboration across engineering t...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's driving the future of renewable energy by managing complex construction projects. You'll oversee execution strategies, ensure compliance, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Innovate cloud solutions by designing and automating infrastructure in Cloud.gov and Azure. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance and security, driving impactful results for clients while shap...
Reposted yesterday
Microelectronics Ultrapure Water (UPW) Senior Process Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Process Engineer, leveraging your expertise to design and optimize ultrapure water treatment systems for the microelectronics industry, ensuring project success through innova...
Yesterday
Senior Gen AI Applications Architect
$126K - $189K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI/ML innovation by designing and deploying advanced generative and agentic AI solutions. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance grid automation and drive effic...
6 days ago
Director Americas Benefits Strategy & Enterprise Initiatives
$180K - $220K *
Unlock strategic benefits solutions by designing impactful health and welfare programs across the Americas, driving cost efficiency and associate experience, while influencing key stakeholders and uti...
1 month ago
$80K - $120K *
Optimize your career by leading software testing initiatives, developing test plans, and ensuring high-quality deliverables in a dynamic, remote environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...
Yesterday
Clinical Lead - Senior Site Activation Lead
$116K *
Drive impactful site activation strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of clinical projects while enhancing communication and mitigating risks throughout the p...
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.