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.
$130K - $155K *
Drive product growth through data analysis and experimentation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user adoption and engagement. Utilize statistical methods to illuminate user journe...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $105K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as you apply advanced analytics to evaluate energy strategies, manage projects, and lead research efforts for utility and government clients, driving sustainability and ef...
4 weeks ago
Materials Program Manager - BNSM
$97K - $170K *
Manage supply chain readiness and risk for business units, ensuring alignment between growth plans and supplier capabilities. Collaborate cross-functionally to mitigate risks and drive material strate...
Reposted yesterday
Principal Data Scientist, Agentic AI Technical Lead
$150K - $180K *
Champion the technical vision for a comprehensive AI program, guiding multiple teams through complex challenges. Ensure high-quality delivery, set architectural standards, and collaborate with executi...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $160K *
Drive operational excellence by leading process and manufacturing engineering initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency, product quality, and scalability while fostering a culture of...
1 week ago
Staff Researcher, Payment Experiences & Pricing
$154K - $231K *
Champion impactful research initiatives that shape product strategy and enhance user experiences. Collaborate cross-functionally to translate insights into actionable recommendations, driving alignmen...
2 weeks ago
Director, Research and Development
$125K - $135K *
Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...
2 weeks ago
Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology
$80K - $118K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing diagnostic excellence in microbiology. Collaborate with skilled professionals in a state-of-the-art lab, enhancing your expertise while contributing to high-q...
5 days ago
Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology
$80K - $118K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing laboratory diagnostics and patient care. Collaborate with skilled professionals in a state-of-the-art microbiology lab, enhancing your expertise while contrib...
5 days ago
$117K - $176K *
Champion procurement excellence by leading complex contracts and ensuring compliance. Drive best practices while supporting socio-economic initiatives and managing high-value acquisitions with minimal...
1 week ago
Senior Data Scientist, People Analytics & Research
$180K - $210K *
Lead the charge in transforming people analytics by applying causal inference and advanced statistical methods to drive strategic decisions on recruitment, retention, and compensation across the organ...
1 week ago
$180K - $225K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI in security. Lead the development and adoption of AI infrastructure, driving measurable improvements across security operations while collaborating with cros...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the design and development of our enterprise data platform, driving initiatives for data ingestion, storage, and transformation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data governance...
Reposted 1 week ago
Data Scientist - Clearance Required
$120K - $150K *
Analyze and enhance data-driven analytics and machine learning models to support ammunition planning and resupply. Collaborate with teams to improve forecasting, automate workflows, and drive efficien...
2 days ago
FSP Sr Clinical Research Associate
$88K - $105K *
Elevate your career by overseeing clinical monitoring and site management. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with protocols and regulations, while fostering relationships with investigationa...
6 days ago
Senior Project Manager, Promotional Medical Education
$90K - $100K *
Accelerate progress at a dynamic agency by leading complex client campaigns. Manage project scope, timelines, and budgets while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality result...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Researcher - CMMI Evaluations
$150K - $180K *
Champion innovative healthcare research by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse experts to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services and...
3 weeks ago
Analyst (Energy and Climate Modeling)
$80K - $100K *
Unlock insights through quantitative analysis and research, shaping energy policy scenarios while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance philanthropic grantmaking efforts and present findings thro...
Reposted 1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Transform document verification solutions by leading ML projects, guiding data scientists, and ensuring high-quality model performance throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Scientist - Reinforcement Learning
$150K - $350K *
Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge reinforcement learning algorithms and frameworks. Collaborate on scaling research and training systems, focusing on your strengths to enhance AI capabilitie...
1 week ago
$70K - $115K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on healthcare compliance auditing. Utilize your analytical skills to drive impactful audits and contribute to client deliverables while receiving...
1 week ago
Medical Director (Publications)
$130K - $150K *
Champion effective publication strategies and lead scientific communication initiatives, acting as a strategic partner to clients and teams. Navigate complex medical affairs content to drive impactful...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the Vendor Management Office, overseeing vendor governance, lifecycle management, and performance metrics. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure vendor services align with quality, compliance...
3 weeks ago
Applied Data Scientist – Performance Management & AI Solutions
$87K - $157K *
Innovate solutions by leveraging data, AI, and analytics to enhance operational performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex challenges into actionable insights, driving m...
2 weeks ago
Plant Process Simulation Engineer II
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clean energy by developing and owning plant process simulation models. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance design, operations, and plant dynamics for in...
Yesterday
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.