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Applied Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prolim Global

Applied Perception Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

We are seeking a contract applied research scientist specializing in audio perception. This role is an integral part of our team, contributing to our research and development efforts. The ideal ...

Cogent Security

Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Cogent Security is an Applied AI Lab focused on building advanced AI agents for cybersecurity. The Research Scientist role involves driving foundational and applied research in automated reasoning ...

Anduril Industries

Research Scientist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

S. or Ph.D. in Applied or Computational Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science ... A Research Scientist should have a record of academic excellence, including demonstrated experience ...

Committee for Children

Research Scientist

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$84K - $100K/yr

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Experience conducting applied research to support product development, innovation, program design ...

Anduril Industries

Research Scientist

Huntsville, AL

S. or Ph.D. in Applied or Computational Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science ... A Research Scientist should have a record of academic excellence, including demonstrated experience ...

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Applied Research Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do applied research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are applied research scientists paid well?

Applied research scientists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and industry. In technology and research sectors, they often receive additional benefits such as bonuses, stock options, and opportunities for professional development. Overall, the role is considered well-compensated compared to many other scientific or technical positions.

What is an applied research scientist?

Applied Research Scientists are professionals who use scientific methods and research techniques to solve real-world problems, often focusing on practical applications rather than theoretical understanding. They typically work in industries like technology, healthcare, or engineering, where they develop new products, improve processes, or innovate solutions. Their work involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring research findings into practical use. Applied Research Scientists often bridge the gap between fundamental research and product development, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits.

What are some common challenges faced by applied research scientists when transitioning projects from research to practical application?

Applied Research Scientists often encounter challenges in bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation. Translating complex findings into scalable, user-friendly solutions requires close collaboration with engineering, product, and business teams. Balancing rigorous scientific standards with practical constraints like timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations is crucial. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as projects may need to be iteratively refined based on feedback from diverse teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applied Research Scientist, you typically need an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific field, strong analytical skills, and experience with experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or R), statistical software, and machine learning frameworks is essential, and certifications in data science or specialized research methodologies can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills set outstanding candidates apart, enabling them to translate research findings into practical solutions. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, effectively communicating results, and advancing organizational goals through impactful scientific research.

What is the difference between Applied Research Scientist vs Data Scientist?

AspectApplied Research ScientistData Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or master's in a related fieldUsually holds a bachelor's or master's in data science, statistics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFocuses on developing new algorithms, models, and scientific researchAnalyzes data to extract insights, build predictive models, and support decision-making
Industry UsageCommon in tech, academia, and R&D divisions of companiesWidely used across industries like finance, healthcare, and marketing

Applied Research Scientists focus on creating innovative algorithms and scientific advancements, often in research settings, while Data Scientists analyze data to solve business problems. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their primary goals and work environments differ.

More about Applied Research Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Applied Research Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Applied Research Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Applied Research Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Applied Research Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Applied Research Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Applied Research Scientist jobs are:
Applied Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Research Scientist - Central Applied Science

Meta

Menlo Park, CA

$183K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

We’re looking for applied scientists with substantial industry experience to join the Central Applied Science team. Central Applied Science is home to experts from many scientific fields, partnering across the company to deliver engineering systems that bring research and innovation to fundamentally contribute to Meta's success.You will be empowered to leverage your expertise and drive impact across a range of products, infrastructure and company operations. Individuals in this role are expected to perform well in a research engineering capacity and hold publications within research areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics, operations research, causal inference and experimentation. Experience building data-driven products and forming research frameworks to solve challenging, real-world problems.
Research Scientist – Central Applied Science Responsibilities:
  • Work with vast amounts of data, generate research questions that push the state-of-the-art, and build data-driven products which impact the business
  • Develop novel quantitative methods on top of Meta's unparalleled data infrastructure
  • Work towards long-term ambitious research goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
  • Communicate best practices in quantitative analysis to partners
  • Work both independently and collaboratively with other scientists, engineers, and product managers to accomplish complex tasks that deliver demonstrable value to Meta's community of over 3.8 billion users
  • Actively identify new opportunities for scientific tooling and systems to yield outsized impact, in line with Central Applied Science's role and mission within Meta

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • PhD in computer science, statistics, operations research or a related field
  • 4+ years of industry experience in an applied R&D capacity or similar function
  • Publications in Machine Learning, AI, computer science, statistics, data science, or related technical fields
  • Experience analyzing datasets using languages such as Python
  • Experience using machine learning and deep learning frameworks, such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or scikit-learn
  • Experience developing algorithms in languages such as Python, C, C++ or Java
  • Experience analyzing large datasets using tools such as Presto, Hive or Spark
  • Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Track record of building end-to-end systems which bring science and engineering to solve critical business problems
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Engagement with leaders to drive decision-making based on a thorough understanding of science and business constraints

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$183,997/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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