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.
U.S. Army Behavioral Research Deputy Program Manager
$86K - $138K *
Lead a multidisciplinary team in managing behavioral research projects for the U.S. Army, ensuring quality and timely deliverables while fostering collaboration with stakeholders and supporting busine...
6 days ago
Education Research Consulting Sr, Associate/Assoicate, Research Security/Export Control
$100K - $145K *
Drive impactful change by leading consulting projects in research security compliance. Collaborate with university and healthcare leaders to enhance governance and transform administration practices f...
2 weeks ago
$144K - $195K *
Innovate and lead the design of identity management solutions, ensuring security and integration across platforms. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience and manage critical issues in a dyn...
2 weeks ago
Senior Financial Analyst, FP&A (R&D)
$111K - $167K *
Transform financial operations by driving monthly close processes, managing forecasts, and leveraging AI for process improvements while serving as a key business partner to leadership to enhance strat...
Reposted 2 days ago
$92K - $203K *
Optimize AI-driven solutions by leveraging advanced analytics and programming skills. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative tools that enhance operational efficiency and addres...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your career by driving data engineering excellence in Palantir Foundry, transforming legacy systems into robust pipelines and applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to de...
2 weeks ago
Principal Technical Consultant - Forward Deployed Engineer, AI Security
$200K - $230K *
Lead a team that operationalizes advanced AI security solutions for enterprises, ensuring integration and compliance across environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into e...
1 month ago
Director of US Government Engagement
$210K - $260K *
Advance your career by leading US government engagement initiatives, shaping policy and funding strategies, and building bipartisan relationships to enhance quantum technology adoption and support nat...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Early Patient Engagement & Professional Societies
$145K - $195K *
Unlock patient engagement strategies by integrating insights into drug development. Collaborate with diverse teams to generate evidence, engage with professional societies, and lead initiatives that p...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform cybersecurity practices by leading RMF/ATO processes for a cloud-based platform, ensuring compliance with NIST standards and implementing robust security controls. Collaborate with stakehold...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate quality assurance by enhancing the Quality Management System for simulation products. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance, drive improvements, and maintain customer satisfactio...
2 weeks ago
Associate Director of Development
$81K - $86K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building strong donor relationships and implementing effective fundraising strategies. You'll manage a portfolio of prospects, engage with diverse stakeholders, and dri...
2 weeks ago
Associate Director of Development
$114K - $132K *
Pioneer strategic fundraising initiatives that cultivate donor relationships and secure six and seven-figure gifts. Collaborate across teams to enhance organizational impact and utilize donor insights...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's transforming medicine by engaging with KOLs and healthcare professionals. Leverage your clinical expertise to communicate product benefits, support education, and drive strategic in...
Reposted 4 days ago
Applied AI Scientist IV - Healthcare, LLM/SLM, RAG experience
$113K - $197K *
Shape the future of healthcare by leading AI initiatives that enhance operations and patient outcomes. Drive innovation, mentor teams, and establish technical standards across machine learning, NLP, a...
2 weeks ago
Assoc. Manager / Manager, Clinical Operations - FSP
$115K - $180K *
Shape the future of clinical operations by leading a dynamic team, ensuring adherence to SOPs, and driving performance through metrics. Collaborate with leadership to optimize resources and enhance pr...
Yesterday
Account Manager, Life Sciences (Houston, Louisiana)
$100K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as you enhance customer satisfaction and develop relationships while selling cutting-edge life science products across key accounts. Drive strategic initiatives and leverage your s...
1 month ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Transform the future of distributed systems by designing and building robust platform components. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments, driving...
3 weeks ago
Staff Data Engineer, Core Migrations
$230K - $260K *
Lead the charge in client migrations, owning the entire technical lifecycle from legacy analysis to deployment, ensuring precision and collaboration across teams for optimal outcomes...
Reposted 2 days ago
Staff Product Manager, Agentic Planning
$168K - $285K *
Elevate the future of software planning by leading a team that integrates human and AI collaboration. Shape product direction, connect work to business priorities, and drive strategic decisions in a d...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion the strategic management of a clinical diagnostics portfolio, focusing on clinical chemistry and immunoassay. Drive supplier relationships, optimize performance, and lead growth initiatives w...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate security standards by leading bug bounty programs, conducting audits, and enhancing software supply chain security. Collaborate across teams to build innovative tools that protect users and en...
1 week ago
$175K - $225K *
Lead the charge in shaping strategic program management across a diverse client portfolio. Oversee a team of professionals to ensure excellence in execution, governance, and client engagement while dr...
1 week ago
$80K - $100K *
Deliver full-stack development for a federal healthcare application, collaborating with Agile teams to enhance file management capabilities, ensuring secure and efficient file transfers while maintain...
Yesterday
Distribution Engineering Manager
$92K - $166K *
Elevate your career by managing a dynamic engineering team to design electric distribution systems, ensuring high-quality project deliverables while fostering client relationships and team collaborati...
4 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.