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Freelance Scientific Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$110 - $170/hr

The opportunity Sciotex is seeking a PhD-level Computational Physicist / Computer Vision Algorithm Engineer to develop the algorithms and scientific software behind next-generation industrial ...

Work will be largely focused on problem solving; software systems architecture, scientific programming; and requirements gathering across application developers, engineering users, and system ...

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Freelance Scientific Software Developer information

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How much do freelance scientific software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance scientific software developer in the United States is $102,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance scientific software developer?

A Freelance Scientific Software Developer is a professional who creates and maintains software tools, simulations, and applications used in scientific research and analysis, working independently or on a contract basis. They collaborate with scientists, researchers, and academic institutions to develop custom software solutions that handle data analysis, modeling, and visualization. Their work often involves programming in languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or C++, and requires a strong understanding of both software engineering and the scientific domain they support. Freelancers in this field typically manage multiple clients or projects and are responsible for the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance scientific software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Scientific Software Developer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in Python, C++, or R), a background in scientific domains, and a solid grasp of algorithms and data analysis. Familiarity with tools like Git, Jupyter, scientific libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy), and cloud platforms is often required, along with relevant certifications or advanced degrees. Excellent problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and self-motivation set top freelancers apart. These skills and qualities are critical for delivering high-quality, reliable software solutions that meet the complex needs of scientific clients and projects.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance scientific software developers when working with research teams?

Freelance scientific software developers often encounter challenges such as aligning with rapidly changing research goals, managing communication across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring reproducibility and documentation of code for future use. Since research environments can be dynamic, developers must be adaptable and proactive in clarifying requirements. Additionally, collaborating remotely requires strong project management and regular check-ins to keep everyone informed and maintain progress.

What is the difference between Freelance Scientific Software Developer vs Scientific Software Engineer?

AspectFreelance Scientific Software DeveloperScientific Software Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or computer science; certifications are optionalUsually holds a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-based work for various clientsOften employed by organizations, but can also work in research labs or as part of a team
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance roles across research, biotech, pharma, and academiaFull-time or contract roles within scientific research, tech companies, or academia

While both roles involve developing scientific software, Freelance Scientific Software Developers work independently on diverse projects, whereas Scientific Software Engineers are typically employed within organizations to develop and maintain scientific applications as part of a team.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Scientific Software Developer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Software Developer jobs?

The most popular types of Scientific Software Developer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Scientific Software Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,500 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Principle Scientific Software Engineer | Kumar Lab

The Jackson Laboratory

Bar Harbor, ME • On-site

$121K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


The Jackson Laboratory rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

As a Principal Scientific Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in leading the development of cutting-edge machine vision software applications and systems to support research science. This position may work closely with scientists across JAX and/or external investigators. The incumbent will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and deploying high-quality solutions. This role will also collaborate with technical team leads for daily work assignments. This role demands a highly skilled software engineer comfortable in an agile environment, with a commitment to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. The role in The Kumar Lab will create behavior annotation software on the Envision platform. The successful candidate will be able to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders, meet timelines, and deliver high-quality software products.

What You'll Contribute

  • Lead the implementation of high-quality projects from high-level aims to execution with minimal supervision from project sponsors/PIs. Drive the publication of applications resulting from these projects.
  • Lead or co-lead efforts to identify new bioinformatics applications and technologies. Focus on obtaining approvals and funding for impactful projects. Stay updated on emerging technologies, and evaluating their integration into our workflow.
  • Provide mentorship to Scientific Software Engineers (SSEs) and offer technical leadership to the team. Actively contribute to the technical growth and development of team members.

What You're Good At

  • Minimum of 10-15 years of experience with a BS or higher degree in computer science or bioinformatics. Significant prior work experience in scientific research software development is considered.
  • Master's or PhD preferred, in computer science or related field
  • Ability and desire to work closely on a team, sharing responsibilities for code implementation, design decisions and architectural choices in a fast-paced development cycle.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must. Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Background in biological sciences, or a strong eagerness to learn and delve into these scientific domains.
  • Working familiarity with technologies such as Python, JavaScript, HTML5, JSON, Java, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Flask, Go, SLURM, BASH and web services. Specialized expertise in web and user interface design and development.
  • Extensive knowledge of a broad range of software engineering methodologies, technologies, and scientific applications, particularly in genomics and bioinformatics.
  • Drive the discovery and integration of new technologies, languages, frameworks, and programming techniques.
  • Evaluate and deploy improvements to team infrastructure, including project tracking systems, source repository integration, and automated build & deployment infrastructure.
  • Stay abreast of scientific developments, faculty research, and industry trends relevant to the work.
  • Develop innovative ideas for applications that meet evolving research needs.
  • Represent the institution as a senior technical voice, within the institution and externally showcasing expertise and contributing to the overall technical vision.

The salary range is $121,924 - $176,790. Salary will be determined based on qualifications and relevant years of experience.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California),Japan andChina. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visitwww.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.


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