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.
Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator
$81K - $106K *
Unlock potential by leading complex cultural resource projects, ensuring high-quality compliance services and technical excellence, while mentoring staff and fostering business growth in a supportive...
4 weeks ago
Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator
$81K - $106K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering top-notch cultural resources compliance services. You'll lead projects, mentor staff, and develop innovative solutions while ensuring adherence to industry s...
4 weeks ago
Lead Data Scientist IV - GEOINT/Remote Sensing
$166K - $275K *
Shape cutting-edge solutions in geospatial intelligence by leveraging advanced data science. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to drive innovative projects, utilizing machine learning to tackle...
Reposted 2 days ago
Data Scientist (Forward Deployed)
$125K - $150K *
Shape data-driven solutions by leveraging your expertise in machine learning and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful insights and ensure seamless deployment in prod...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Post Doctoral Researcher - Agentic AI-Driven Computational Synthesis of PGM-free Fuel Cell Catalysts
$76K - $126K *
Join a team that's pioneering AI-driven computational synthesis to optimize fuel cell catalysts. Collaborate with experts to develop innovative frameworks that enhance reaction energetics and contribu...
Today
Senior Director of Scientific Computing and Research Infrastructure
$130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of scientific computing and research infrastructure. Lead strategic initiatives, manage high-performance computing resources, and collaborate with diverse teams to...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leveraging data science to drive informed decision-making through advanced analytics, modeling, and collaboration in a dynamic research environment...
Today
Research Engineer - Data and Evaluation
$150K - $350K *
Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower decision-making by utilizing data-driven insights to enhance operations, supporting growth through statistical modeling and AI techniques while maintaining compliance in a complex regulatory e...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Bioinformatics Engineer, Clinical Applications
$134K - $179K *
Lead the charge in bridging genomic variants with clinical insights, collaborating with scientists to automate and scale curation workflows. Drive innovation in AI/ML applications while ensuring softw...
1 week ago
Associate Director Continuous Improvement
$121K - $176K *
Transform operational excellence by leading a team to implement Lean strategies, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and enhance safety, quality, and cost performance across multiple sites while...
3 weeks ago
Manager of Data Analysis for Lab Production Support, Extended-Hours Support (ExHS)
$140K - $175K *
Optimize data analytics support for lab production operations by leading a dedicated team in a dynamic environment. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance operational effectiveness while mak...
3 weeks ago
Staff Biostatistician (Clinical Validation)
$164K - $205K *
Lead the design and analysis of clinical validation studies, ensuring regulatory compliance and driving innovative research in molecular diagnostics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $350K *
Build advanced inference systems to enhance RL research, optimizing throughput and enabling scalable model updates. Collaborate with researchers to balance efficiency and quality in cutting-edge AI ar...
1 week ago
Principal Archaeologist- Principal Investigator
$100K - $131K *
Join a team that's redefining cultural resource management by leading complex projects, mentoring staff, and driving business growth while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and delivering h...
3 weeks ago
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
$83K - $103K *
Drive success in regulatory affairs by preparing critical submissions for medical and diagnostic devices. Oversee compliance with U.S. and international regulations while collaborating with cross-func...
Reposted 1 week ago
Associate Director, Analytical Development
$185K - $215K *
Take ownership of analytical development initiatives, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and high-quality documentation for multiple projects. Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners...
Reposted today
Senior Manager, Clinical Lab Project Management
$134K - $219K *
Lead clinical laboratory operations for precision medicine projects, ensuring timely deliverables and risk management across therapeutic areas. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support clini...
3 weeks ago
Environmental Scientist - Technical Reporting & Remediation
$73K - $132K *
Contribute to impactful environmental projects by analyzing data, preparing technical documents, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support CERCLA investigations and remediation efforts...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Director, Clinical Operations
$270K - $280K *
Join a team that's driving clinical excellence by overseeing trial execution, managing timelines, budgets, and CROs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and quality while mentoring team...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage in high-quality legal research to support law firm clients, focusing on intellectual property matters. Utilize advanced research tools to deliver accurate results and synthesize findings into a...
3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, Identity & Access Management (IAM)
$180K - $212K *
Pioneer innovative IAM strategies to enhance security across cloud and on-premise infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robust identity governance and access management...
3 weeks ago
Principal Applied Scientist, Generative AI
$195K - $312K *
Zillow is seeking a Principal Applied Scientist to join the Agentic AI team, focusing on developing advanced multimodal technologies for understanding homes. The role involves designing and prototypin...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $110K *
Discover user needs and drive product decisions as a UX Researcher, collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct research, usability studies, and synthesize insights that enhance user experien...
Yesterday
Senior Scientific Director - Publications (Heme-Onc)
$150K - $180K *
Join us to lead the development and oversight of scientific content across therapeutic areas, ensuring strategic medical communication aligns with brand goals while managing a team and collaborating w...
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.