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.
Staff Machine Learning Engineer
$180K - $195K *
Drive impactful data science initiatives by building and operating ML systems. Manage end-to-end processes from modeling to evaluation, while mentoring a lean team and collaborating across departments...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$101K - $197K *
Empower your career by leading global regulatory strategies for medical devices and diagnostics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive market access while mentoring ot...
3 weeks ago
Remote | Biology Expert (PhD/Master's)
$100K - $120K *
Bring your expertise to advanced biology research by designing complex problems, developing solutions, and evaluating AI models. Collaborate with teams to enhance scientific reasoning and contribute t...
1 week ago
Global Product Manager, Spectroscopy & Systems Integration
$115K - $165K *
Drive product strategy and roadmap for spectroscopy technologies, integrating analytical solutions into bioprocessing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product needs and enhan...
2 days ago
Sr. Director, Technical Sales Specialist - Downstream BioProcessing
$160K - $190K *
Shape the future of global sales strategy by leading commercial efforts, driving revenue growth, and enhancing customer engagement across diverse market segments in a dynamic, collaborative environmen...
1 week ago
Scientific Software Developer for MPAS Infrastructure
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative scientific software for MPAS infrastructure, enhancing model integration and performance across HPC platforms while collaborating with diverse teams to advance...
1 week ago
$120K - $180K *
Transform biological imaging with your expertise in AI and microscopy. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to define expert reasoning, curate datasets, and build analysis pipelines that set the...
1 week ago
Bioinformatics Application Scientist, NGS - AMER
$125K - $141K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing expert bioinformatics support, bridging customer needs with innovative NGS solutions. You'll play a key role in pre- and post-sales activities, ensuring custo...
2 days ago
$150K - $170K *
Join a team that's transforming drug development through data science. Leverage your expertise to build predictive models and analytics, driving process improvements and technology transfer in a colla...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate data privacy standards by leading a comprehensive privacy program. Collaborate across teams to integrate privacy-by-design principles, enhance data governance, and ensure compliance while enab...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in solving critical engineering challenges, driving technical direction, and fostering team growth. Collaborate across departments to enhance systems, ensuring reliability and innovati...
6 days ago
Engineer Lead (Library of Congress)
$175K - $195K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical direction and mentoring teams while driving program delivery and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration in a dynamic engineering environment...
5 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape innovative AI/ML initiatives to enhance student engagement and retention. Lead cross-functional teams to develop predictive models and data pipelines, driving measurable outcomes for thousands o...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Agentic AI Architect
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer innovative AI solutions by designing autonomous agents that enhance manufacturing workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data pipelines and drive impactful results in a...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $190K *
Join a team that's transforming clinical trials through advanced data science. Drive the development of predictive models and machine learning algorithms to enhance patient enrollment and trial manage...
2 weeks ago
VP, In Vitro - Scientific Operations
$180K - $220K *
Transform global in vitro scientific operations by leading expansive teams and driving innovation across oncology and immunology studies. Ensure operational excellence, harmonize multi-site workflows...
Reposted 1 week ago
Drug Discovery Resource Outsourcing Manager
$110K - $130K *
Engage in early-stage drug discovery by triaging research requests, managing CRO partnerships, and ensuring seamless execution of outsourced projects. Leverage scientific expertise and Mandarin fluenc...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Drive the growth of Data Science and AI initiatives across diverse sectors, focusing on strategic industries. Lead business development, advisory roles, and solution creation to enhance client engagem...
2 days ago
Associate Data Scientist – Transitioning Navy Service Members
$80K - $95K *
Strategize your career by advancing data science and predictive analytics solutions for the Navy. Collaborate with experts to enhance safety through innovative modeling while leveraging military exper...
4 weeks ago
Director, AI Program Management
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in overseeing strategic AI initiatives, ensuring effective execution, governance, and stakeholder collaboration across a global portfolio of AI programs and vendor relationships...
Reposted yesterday
Lead AI Research Scientist II - Digital Safety Research Institute
$144K - $198K *
Champion advanced AI research by leading safety studies in NLP, CV, and more. Drive innovation through independent testing, proposal development, and collaborative efforts. Play a vital role in public...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Support project management by coordinating study documentation, mentoring team members, and ensuring compliance. Leverage expertise in clinical research to enhance study start-up and execution, while...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer, Detection and Response
$225K - $281K *
Lead the charge in shaping detection and response strategies, driving hands-on initiatives to enhance security architecture and incident management. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust threat de...
1 week ago
$190K - $249K *
Drive innovation by leading AI architecture and strategy, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver impactful AI solutions. Shape the future of AI products through technical...
3 days ago
Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Hematopathology Lab
$80K - $118K *
Develop expertise in high-complexity flow cytometric testing, ensuring accurate diagnostics and quality control while supporting training and operational efficiency in a dynamic laboratory environment...
2 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.