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Director Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Science Director will lead the efforts of River Partners' Science Team to conceive, plan, permit, deliver, and monitor large-scale habitat restoration projects that contribute to our mission ...

The Science Director will lead the efforts of River Partners' Science Team to conceive, plan, permit, deliver, and monitor large-scale habitat restoration projects that contribute to our mission ...

About the Job We are hiring a Director, Scientific Affairs who brings both scientific depth and a ... MD/PhD in a life science/biomedical discipline with strong clinical experience * 5+ years of ...

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an experienced team of reporters and editors to edit stories from multiple desks and manage syndications from ...

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an experienced team of reporters and editors to edit stories from multiple desks and manage syndications from ...

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Director Science information

See California salary details

$79.4K

$110.4K

$142.1K

How much do director science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for director science in California is $110,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the primary challenges a director science faces when leading multidisciplinary research teams?

A Director of Science often navigates the complexities of coordinating experts from various scientific backgrounds, ensuring effective communication and integration of diverse perspectives. Balancing project timelines with the rigorous standards of scientific research can be demanding, especially when managing multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, securing funding and aligning research objectives with organizational goals require strategic planning and stakeholder management. Building a collaborative culture and fostering professional development within the team are also essential for long-term success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Science, you need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, extensive research experience, and strong leadership abilities. Familiarity with data analysis software, scientific publishing tools, and project management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team-building skills help drive innovation and foster collaboration among interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for setting research direction, achieving organizational goals, and ensuring scientific excellence.

What is the difference between Director Science vs Research Scientist?

AspectDirector ScienceResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), leadership experienceTypically PhD or Master's, specialized research skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team management, cross-department collaborationLaboratory or field research, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, research institutionsAcademic, industry R&D, government labs

The main difference between a Director Science and a Research Scientist lies in their focus and responsibilities. Directors Science oversee research strategies, manage teams, and coordinate projects, while Research Scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific knowledge. Both roles require advanced degrees, but Directors have more leadership and strategic duties.

What does a director of science do?

A director of science oversees scientific research and development within an organization, setting strategic goals, managing research teams, and ensuring projects align with business objectives. They often coordinate with other departments, review data, and may require expertise in specific scientific fields and leadership skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Science jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,411 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

$210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The incumbent serves as Director of the Science Directorate at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), providing executive leadership of a multidisciplinary organization conducting basic and applied scientific research, science instrument design and development, and flight project operations in the areas of astrophysics, space biosciences, Earth sciences, planetary sciences, and exobiology.Qualifications:As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, you must clearly articulate and describe within your 2-page resume that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications MTQ(s) related to this position. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ(s), you may be disqualified. Any additional pages over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed.
Your resume should include evidence of progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional experience which involved management of a program or organization of significant scope and complexity, normally obtained over several years by serving in positions at the GS-15 level or equivalent.
If you are (1) currently serving under a career SES appointment, (2) eligible for reinstatement into the SES (this means you were previously employed as a Career SES employee and you successfully completed a one-year probationary period), OR (3) have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and certified by OPM, you do not need to address the ECQs in your resume. However, your resume must clearly state that you are a current career SES, eligible for SES reinstatement, or SES CDP certified and year of certification.
Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQ(s). Only your 2-page resume will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs)
For more information on the ECQs, please visit OPM's ECQ webpage.
ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, and Civic-Mindedness
ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology
ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience
ECQ 4 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgment
ECQ 5 - Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (MTQ):
Your resume must include accomplishments that address the MTQ(s).
MTQ: Demonstrated experience leading a multidisciplinary scientific organization, providing strategic direction for complex scientific research portfolios across disciplines such as astrophysics, Earth science, planetary science, space biosciences, exobiology, or related scientific fields. This includes experience leading the formulation, budgeting, scheduling, execution, integration, and evaluation of scientific projects and programs. Competencies: Program/Project Management and Research
Your application package must be in your own words. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.Education:This position has a positive education requirement. To be eligible, you must clearly state in your resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science is required.
An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.Employment Type: OTHER