Staff Scientist Jobs

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.

What Does a Staff Scientist Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Staff Scientist Salary and Career Opportunities

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.

Find Staff Scientist Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$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...

Georgia, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Fort Campbell, KYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Ohio, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

California, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Framingham, MARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Staff Scientist do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.