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.
Large Scale Fisheries Project Director - Europe and Africa
$100K - $120K *
Lead and implement electronic monitoring programs to enhance fisheries management and transparency across Africa and Europe. Build partnerships, provide technical support, and drive sustainable practi...
3 weeks ago
Project Control Analyst w/ Construction Experience
$90K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee financial and project controls for federal contracts, focusing on construction management. Collaborate with project managers and leadership to ensure accurate forecastin...
Yesterday
$132K - $181K *
Drive the development of an innovative Excel plugin, integrating AI-driven market intelligence for financial professionals. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance and enhance user experience...
3 weeks ago
$132K - $181K *
Join a team that's redefining financial technology by integrating AI into Excel. You'll develop a powerful plugin that enhances decision-making for financial professionals, ensuring seamless performan...
3 weeks ago
Solution Architect, Forward Deployed Architecture (AI Capability Center)
$145K - $170K *
Design innovative AI solutions on Microsoft Azure, bridging business needs and engineering execution. Own the architecture, ensure security, and lead the build process while adapting to evolving proje...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer (Antarctic Support Contract)
$92K - $166K *
Transform critical systems for the US Antarctic Program by designing, deploying, and maintaining Linux-based infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead operations in a unique, mi...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform security engineering practices by building resilient systems that enhance and automate security workflows, ensuring smooth operation across multiple environments while integrating AI-assiste...
Reposted 6 days ago
Engineer III, OT/ICS Cybersecurity & Controls
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in securing and optimizing OT/ICS networks for energy systems. As a senior engineer, you'll design network architectures, manage cybersecurity compliance, and collaborate with cross-fu...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Machine Learning Operations & Delivery
$115K - $175K *
Lead and innovate within our ML Operations team, driving scalable machine learning solutions. Oversee a talented group while ensuring robust integration of ML technologies, optimizing performance, and...
2 weeks ago
System Safety Technical Analyst, Human Spaceflight (Remote)
$110K - $130K *
Lead critical evaluations of aerospace vehicle subsystems, ensuring safety and performance through rigorous analysis and collaboration with engineering teams. Drive hazard assessments and verification...
Yesterday
Manager, Regulatory Affairs (Clinical Labeling)
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of IMP labeling processes, ensuring compliance with global regulations and quality standards while collaborating cross-functionally to support clinical trial timelines and enhance label...
4 weeks ago
Director Global Safety- Global Periodic Aggregate Safety Reports
$191K - $258K *
Shape the future of global safety by leading the development and submission of periodic aggregate safety reports. Drive compliance and collaboration across teams while managing a diverse global team t...
2 days ago
Senior Manager, Clinical Operations
$136K - $171K *
Pioneer clinical trial excellence by leading operational planning and execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance, quality, and timely delivery of clinical studies while mentoring j...
1 week ago
Sr. Solution Architect, Professional Services - Agentic AI
$121K - $132K *
Engage as a key technical leader in enterprise AI/ML architecture, collaborating with clients to design scalable solutions. Drive AI development and deployment, ensuring alignment with business needs...
4 weeks ago
Engineering Materials Manager (Remote)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading materials management for a Nuclear Development project. Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and vendors to ensure effective planning and execution, driving project s...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive data-driven decision making by leading advanced analytics initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and deriving insights from complex data sets to tackle challenging business problems. F...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$129K - $193K *
Partner with us to transform workflows through innovative AI applications, enhancing both internal operations and user experience. In this high-ownership role, you'll build and evaluate end-to-end sol...
Reposted 1 week ago
Remote | Strategic Project Lead, Coding/SWE - $300,000-$500,000/year
$300K - $500K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI by leading technical projects and optimizing software engineering data pipelines. Drive operational excellence and enhance workflow automation while collabo...
6 days ago
Remote | Strategic Project Lead, Coding/SWE - $300,000-$500,000/year
$300K - $500K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic coding-data programmes, ensuring seamless execution and quality across complex technical workflows while driving automation and operational excellence in a ful...
1 week ago
$72K - $111K *
Lead and innovate Tier I service desk operations by supervising agents, optimizing performance, and ensuring exceptional support for external users. Drive shifts performance, manage escalations, and e...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to creating impactful medical education content for healthcare providers and patients. Collaborate closely with scientific and account teams to deliver high-quality materi...
Reposted yesterday
$90K - $110K *
Unlock potential by managing pharmaceutical programs, ensuring smooth operations, client relationships, and strategic execution while overseeing performance metrics and enhancing team collaboration...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Strategic Business Development
$150K - $180K *
Drive sustained growth as a key commercial leader by executing innovative revenue strategies, generating new client opportunities, and expanding market presence in the evolving data center and AI infr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$108K - $162K *
Transform client relationships by leveraging insights and strategies that drive growth for Fortune-class companies. Engage with senior executives to uncover needs, provide solutions, and achieve impac...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $200K *
Transform backend services and REST APIs in a collaborative environment. Leverage your software engineering skills to support cyber training initiatives, utilizing modern technologies and cloud infras...
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.