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Head Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calico

Head, Research

South San Francisco, CA

$314K - $360K/yr

Calico is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Research to lead our early discovery research group of talented Principal Investigators and their laboratory teams. This role will be ...

Calico

Head, Research

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$314K - $360K/yr

Calico is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Research to lead our early discovery research group of talented Principal Investigators and their laboratory teams. This role will be ...

OHCAC Head Start

Associate Teacher - Head Start

Galion, OH · On-site

$18.23 - $19.14/hr

At OHCAC Head Start, we recognize that 90% of the brain is formed before a child even steps into a ... of research and best practices. * Comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, dental ...

Valency Systems Inc

Head of Research

Berkeley, CA · On-site

The Position As our Head of Research , with a PhD or advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, you will set the research agenda, shaping how and what we build, and directly ...

Utah State University

Department Head

Logan, UT · On-site

The MAE Department Head is responsible for strategic and visionary leadership to support USU's land ... Candidates should have a strong track record of research funding, teaching, service, mentorship ...

Utah State University

Department Head

Logan, UT

The MAE Department Head is responsible for strategic and visionary leadership to support USU's land ... Candidates should have a strong track record of research funding, teaching, service, mentorship ...

The Putney School

Head Librarian

Putney, VT · On-site

$44.50K - $82.43K/yr

The Head Librarian reports to the Director of Technology & Library Services and is an academic-year ... The librarian provides leadership in information literacy, research design, collection development ...

Virginia Tech

Department Head

Blacksburg, VA

Department Head Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535001 Work type ... Teaching & Research Faculty Senior management: Natural Resources Department: Sustainable ...

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Head Researcher information

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$29K

$117.6K

$227.5K

How much do head researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for head researcher in the United States is $117,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Head Researcher, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, analytical thinking, and subject matter knowledge, typically supported by a Ph.D. or equivalent experience. Familiarity with data analysis software, statistical tools, and project management systems is commonly required. Leadership, critical thinking, and strong communication skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are vital for driving innovative research, managing teams, and ensuring high-quality, impactful results.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Head Researcher when leading a multidisciplinary team?

As a Head Researcher, one common challenge is effectively coordinating communication and collaboration among team members with diverse expertise and backgrounds. Ensuring that everyone is aligned on project goals while managing different research methodologies can be complex. Additionally, balancing administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting and grant writing, with scientific leadership often requires strong organizational and time management skills. Navigating these challenges successfully can lead to innovative outcomes and professional growth.

What does a Head Researcher do?

A Head Researcher leads and oversees research projects within an organization or academic institution. They are responsible for designing research methodologies, supervising research teams, securing funding, and ensuring the quality and integrity of research outcomes. Additionally, they often collaborate with other departments, publish findings, and stay informed about developments in their field. Their leadership is crucial in setting research priorities and achieving organizational or scientific goals.

What is the difference between Head Researcher vs Research Scientist?

AspectHead ResearcherResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (Master's or PhD), extensive research experienceUsually holds a Master's or PhD, with strong research background
Work EnvironmentLeads research teams, manages projects, strategic planningConducts experiments, data analysis, reports findings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academia, corporate R&D, government researchCommon in labs, universities, industry research divisions

The main difference is that a Head Researcher oversees research projects and teams, focusing on strategy and management, while a Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and analyzes data. Both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, but the Head Researcher has additional leadership responsibilities.

More about Head Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Head Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Researcher jobs are:
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Head Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,556 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Head, Research

Calico

South San Francisco, CA

$314K - $360K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico's highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

Calico is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Research to lead our early discovery research group of talented Principal Investigators and their laboratory teams. This role will be critical in developing research strategies, evaluating research progress, and advancing our early stage drug discovery pipeline for improving healthspan by developing new therapeutics for aging and aging-related diseases. We seek expertise in applying cutting-edge biochemical, molecular, and cell biological techniques, including microscopic and "omics" technologies, to unlock the complexities of aging physiology. Experience in moving projects from early discovery research to translational drug development will be important. 

Join our collaborative, cross-functional environment at the forefront of aging research, work alongside world-class technology labs, lead ambitious research projects that transform our understanding of aging, and develop innovative therapeutics for aging and aging-related diseases.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage a group of Principal Investigators with ambitious research programs
  • Lead an independent research effort aimed at gaining valuable insights into aging biology
  • Provide scientific direction, including clinical and biological insights, for a broad range of translational projects
  • Recruit top talent with aging research as a key focus
  • Join Calico's Scientific Review Committee and other leadership functions
  • Contribute substantively, through leadership and research, to Calico's ambitious research efforts to understand the fundamental biology of human aging and discover mechanisms that contribute to human longevity, as a basis for devising interventions

Position Requirements:

  • MD/PhD, PhD or equivalent degrees in molecular and cellular biology, immunology, neurobiology, structural biology, or related fields with 15 or more years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience in the area of drug development and/or basic biomedical research, especially in aging or aging-related diseases
  • Rising or proven leader in academia or industry 
  • Creative and critical thinking skills
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Success in managing and mentoring other scientists and research programs
  • Strong record of creative scientific achievements as evidenced by impactful publications, patents (or applications), and national or international recognition
  • Technical expertise in technologies related to basic or translational biomedical research
  • Must be willing to work onsite five days a week, except for conferences or off-site work-related meetings

The estimated base salary range for this role is $314,000 - $360,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.

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