ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sandoz International GmbH

$90 - $130/hr

Sandoz International GmbH is seeking a Leading Scientist in Analytical Characterization based in the United States. The position involves independently managing project activities related to ...

Pearson

Lead Specialist, AI Scientist

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

Lead Specialist, AI Scientist Location: Hybrid, Hoboken About the Role We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Lead Specialist- AI Scientist to design, build, deploy, and scale production AI/ML ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Lead Applied Scientist

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

About the Role As a Lead Applied Scientist, you will define research strategy and lead high-impact initiatives that shape Thomson Reuters' AI/ML roadmap across multiple product features. You will ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsLead Scientist Jobs

Lead Scientist information

See salary details

$27K

$112.7K

$200.5K

How much do lead scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a lead scientist?

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 is a lead scientist?

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 job categories do people searching Lead Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Scientist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Scientist jobs? For Lead Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,722 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Principal Investigator/Bioanalytical Lead Scientist I- (LC-MS)

Labcorp

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Labcorp rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 1,138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

Labcorp is a global leader in laboratory services, providing the insights and answers that help healthcare providers, patients, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and health systems make confident decisions and improve outcomes. Through our unparalleled science, data, technology and laboratory network, we advance diagnostics, accelerate innovation and help address some of the world's most important health challenges. As we shape the future of healthcare, we are leveraging advanced technologies, intelligent digital solutions and data-driven innovation across our operations to enhance how work gets done and deliver greater value to customers and patients. With our global scale and deep expertise, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, grow your career and make a real impact on people's health around the world. Together, we're improving health and improving lives.
Lead Scientist I & Principal Investigator to support our LC/MS Bioanalytical Study Team in Madison, WI
Work Schedule - Mon-Fri (Day Shift)
Job Responsibilities:
  • Leads and directs scientific work to support external methods and projects.
  • Serves as an SD, RS, CS, LS, or PI for non-regulated, GLP-regulated, and GCP-regulated studies as applicable.
  • Ensures client programs meet Labcorp, client, and regulatory requirements in order to meet defined milestones along the drug development pathway.
  • Develops and reviews protocols and sample analysis plans.
  • Reviews data with the Method Development Team to ensure methods are ready for validation.
  • Approves validation methods and reviews sample analysis methods.
  • Independently reviews and approves raw data.
  • Ensures that any circumstances that may affect the quality and integrity of the study are identified and documented as the occur and appropriate corrective action is taken.
  • Effectively evaluates data and tables to ensure regulatory guidelines and expectations are met.
  • Reviews and approves reports for scientific accuracy and completeness.
  • Ensures on-time delivery of high quality data and reports.
  • Provides technical support as needed.
  • Leads efforts to troubleshoot and solve assay problems.
  • Recognizes the functions of different teams within Labcorp and seeks guidance when appropriate.
  • Manages scientific investigations.
  • Approves QA project specific inspections.
  • Approves data archival.
  • Evaluates new proposals for technical feasibility.
  • Supports scientific papers or posters which are published or presented at scientific meetings.
  • Serves as the scientific point of contact for the client.
  • Effectively works with the client to determine project requirements.
  • Leads preinitiation meetings when needed.
  • Gives scientific directives to the study team.
  • Identifies scientific issues or scope changes within the study.
  • Communicates and monitors scientific expectations with scientific staff and clients.
  • Proactively identifies ways to increase client satisfaction.
  • Participates in client visits as a scientific lead.
  • Responds to unscheduled deadlines, client needs, and crises without neglecting other responsibilities.
  • Assists clients with experimental design outside the scope of SOPs.
  • Develops and delivers compelling messages that connect with the audience.
  • Promotes quality within the study team.
  • Provides a technical resource for less experienced team members.
  • Actively promotes collaboration within and across groups.
  • Communicates successes and provides positive recognition to team members.
  • Promotes a positive impression of Labcorp internally and within the industry.
  • Provides technical and scientific guidance to clients and other departments.
  • Leads new employee training and develops training materials and schedules.
  • Identifies process improvement opportunities, participates in execution of initiatives.
  • Advocates Labcorp ethics, vision, and values; fosters a high-performance culture.
  • Participates in projects and tasks in addition to lead scientist responsibilities.
  • Regularly provides support to other lead scientists or project managers.
  • Mentors other employees.
  • Able to plan, prioritize, and manage workload for large and complex projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage high volume study work for key clients.
  • Takes accountability and demonstrates responsibility regarding scientific study conduct.
  • Good knowledge of client requirements.
  • Manages time effectively.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelors Degree (Chemistry, Biology)
  • 3-4 years or more experience supporting lead scientific projects that support external methods and projects
  • 2 years or more Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) experience required
  • 2 years or more Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry experience required
  • 2 years or more Bioanalytical Method Development and Validation

Preferred Qualifications :
  • Masters (MS) degree in science or related field preferred
  • 1 year or more experience Watson, Nautilus, and Analyst software
  • 1 year or more experience Root Cause Analysis
  • 2 years or more experience working with regulatory agency guidelines and SOP's

Additional Job Standards:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proven ability to prioritize and manage time
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Able to utilize word processing, database, spreadsheet, and specialized software

#LI-SD1
Application Window: 7/27 thru 8/14/2026
Pay Range: $80k - $95k annually
All job offers will be based on a candidate's skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data.
Benefits:
Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO) or Flexible Time Off (FTO), Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees are only eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. For more detailed information, please click here.
Labcorp is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Labcorp strives for inclusion and belonging in the workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications and merit of the individual. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Additionally, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law.
We encourage all to apply
If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance using our online tools to search and apply for jobs, or needs an accommodation, please visit our accessibility site or contact us at Labcorp Accessibility. For more information about how we collect and store your personal data, please see our Privacy Statement.

What Labcorp employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply