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Lead Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Scientist Product Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Kotex, Poise, Depend, and Kimberly-Clark Professional. At Kimberly-Clark, it's all here for you ...

Lead Scientist, R&D (Upstream Processing) Location: 100% On-site. Portsmouth, NH. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families. The R&D Lead Scientist, Upstream ...

Lead Scientist, R&D (Upstream Processing) Location: 100% On-site. Portsmouth, NH. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families. The R&D Lead Scientist, Upstream ...

MS or PhD degree incomputer science, engineering, physics, statistics, mathematics, operations ... Proven ability to lead cross functional teams on medium to large scale projects and handling client ...

MS or PhD degree in computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, mathematics, operations ... Proven ability to lead cross functional teams on medium to large scale projects and handling client ...

Lead Scientist, AS&T

Canton, MA · On-site

$150K - $176K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Lead Scientist, AS&T supporting QC Method Lifecycle Development will be responsible for providing leadership, management, and oversight to QC method development, transfer ...

Lead Scientist, AS&T

Canton, MA · On-site

$150K - $176K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Lead Scientist, AS&T supporting QC Method Lifecycle Development will be responsible for providing leadership, management, and oversight to QC method development, transfer ...

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Lead Scientist information

See salary details

$27K

$112.7K

$200.5K

How much do lead scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead scientist in the United States is $112,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Scientist, you need advanced expertise in your scientific discipline, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent), and a strong track record of research and publication. Experience with laboratory management software, data analysis tools (such as R or Python), and relevant safety or regulatory certifications is typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you guide teams, manage projects, and present findings effectively. These skills and qualities are essential for driving scientific innovation, ensuring research integrity, and achieving organizational objectives.

What is the difference between Lead Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectLead ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (PhD), extensive research experience, and leadership skillsUsually requires a PhD or Master’s degree with strong research background
Work EnvironmentLeads research projects, manages teams, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and supports research projects under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and scientific R&D firmsFound in similar industries, often as entry to mid-level research roles

The main difference between a Lead Scientist and a Research Scientist lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Lead Scientists oversee research projects and manage teams, requiring leadership skills and extensive experience. Research Scientists focus on conducting experiments and data analysis, typically with less managerial responsibility. Both roles require advanced degrees and are integral to scientific research in industry settings.

What are Lead Scientists?

Lead Scientists are senior-level researchers who oversee scientific projects and teams within organizations such as research institutes, universities, or private companies. They are responsible for designing experiments, managing research staff, and ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific work. Lead Scientists often coordinate cross-functional collaborations, contribute to grant writing, and publish findings in scientific journals. Their role requires advanced expertise in their field, strong leadership skills, and the ability to guide complex research initiatives from conception to completion.

How does a Lead Scientist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during research projects?

As a Lead Scientist, you will frequently work alongside professionals from various disciplines, such as engineers, data analysts, and regulatory specialists. Effective collaboration involves leading project meetings, setting research priorities, and ensuring all team members are aligned with project goals. You'll be responsible for integrating input from different experts, fostering clear communication, and troubleshooting any interdisciplinary challenges that arise. This collaborative approach is essential for driving innovation and ensuring research outcomes meet both scientific and business objectives.
More about Lead Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Lead Scientist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Scientist jobs? The top employers for Lead Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Scientist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Scientist jobs? For Lead Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,722 per year, or $54.2 per hour.
Lead Scientist Product

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Kimberly-Clark rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Lead Scientist ProductJob Description

Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Kotex, Poise, Depend, and Kimberly-Clark Professional. At Kimberly-Clark, it's all here for you-innovation, growth, and the chance to make a real impact.

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. You want to be part ofa performance culture dedicated to solving real-world problems with purpose and precision. You want to work in an environment that promotes sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development. In this role, you'll help us shape the future and improve lives for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU.

About You

The Lead Scientist - Product will lead the product development for some Front End Innovation (FEI) programs in Huggies Diapers. The focus of this role will be in both new product innovation and renovation on our current products. This role will work in conjunction with Product Team members, Engineering, Materials, Marketing, Sales, Quality and Manufacturing to lead product activities for projects and fundamental work including ideation. The incumbent reports to an R&E Manager and receives work direction from the Manager, Technical Leader, and Project Leader.

In one of our R&D roles, you'll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. Job responsibilities include:

  • Identify product innovation aligned to meet consumer and business needs within the Personal Care business.
  • Seek and understand competitive technologies and innovation.
  • Provide leadership within a team environment to drive innovation from initial product prototype, BVs, and helping support the FEI process through MVC, MVP, MVT.
  • Collaborate broadly inside the organization with Global R&D, Marketing, Insights and Analytics, pilot plant, and cross-functional disciplines.
  • Works closely with the Marketing, I&A, IC&T, Materials, and Engineering teams among others, to achieve project goals.

To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or advanced engineering or relevant scientific discipline degree; 3+ years relevant product and/or engineering experience in a variety of assignments.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to discuss technical issues in a business environment.
  • Experience in product development of consumer products, design of experiments, and data analysis is preferred.
  • Ability to build relationships and build trust characteristics when working cross functionally.
  • Desire and awareness to seek and understand competitive technologies and innovation.

Led by Purpose. Driven by You.

Total Benefits

We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we're committed to providing them with the resources they need to be successful. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a company that cares about its employees, then Kimberly-Clark is the place for you.

Here are just a few of the benefits you'd enjoy working in this role for Kimberly-Clark. For a complete overview, see www.mykcbenefits.com

To Be Considered
Click the Apply button and complete the online application process. A member of our recruiting team will review your application and follow up if you seem like a great fit for this role.

In the meantime, please check out the careers website.

And finally, the fine print....


For Kimberly-Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world, which is why we seek to build a workforce that encompassesthe experiences of our consumers.When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly-Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. We are a committed equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Employment is subject to verification of local policies.

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests which may include drug screening, background check, and DMV check.

Veterans and members of the Reserve and Guard are highly encouraged to apply.

Grade 10/P2: Grade level and / or compensation may vary based on location/country

This role is available for local candidates already authorized to work in the role's country only. Kimberly-Clark will not provide relocation support for this role.

#LI-Hybrid

Salary Range: 87,260 - 107,780 USDAt Kimberly-Clark, pay is just one aspect of our total rewards package, which also includes a variety of benefits and opportunities to achieve, thrive and grow. Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan. The anticipated base pay range for this role is provided above for a fully qualified hire. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as location, role, skills, performance, and experience. Please note that the stated pay range applies to US locations only.Primary LocationNeenah - West R&E OfficeAdditional LocationsWorker TypeEmployeeWorker Sub-TypeRegularTime TypeFull time

What Kimberly-Clark employees say

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About Kimberly-Clark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Huggies®. Kleenex®. Cottonelle®. Scott®. Kotex®. Poise®. Depend®. Kimberly-Clark Professional®. You already know our legendary brands--and so does the rest of the world. In fact, 25% of people in the world use Kimberly-Clark products every day. We know that these amazing Kimberly-Clark products wouldn't exist without skilled workers, like you. Here, you'll use your skills to make some of the most helpful things for billions of people all around the world - all in a safe, stable, and caring environment. While our products support better lives for billions of people around the world, our company passionately supports the ability for over 45,000 employees to do their best work and enjoy life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1872