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Life Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Stanford, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $31.25/hr

The Department of Neurology is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Life Science Research Professional 1) to support, manage and facilitate the molecular-related activities in the lab whose ...

Research Assistant

Stanford, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $31.25/hr

The Department of Neurology is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Life Science Research Professional 1) to support, manage and facilitate the molecular-related activities in the lab whose ...

Agriculture & Life Sciences Department: School of Plant & Environmental Sci Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Agriculture / Life Science, Research / Scientific The Research Associate will ...

What We're Building At Medra, our mission is to use AI, robotics, and biology to accelerate life science research, with the ultimate goal of eradicating disease. We have been quietly building the ...

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Life Science Research information

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$17

How much do life science research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for life science research in the United States is $16.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What professions make $500,000 a year?

In life science research, high-paying roles such as senior scientists, research directors, or chief scientific officers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical companies. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, often combined with stock options or bonuses. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size.

What biology jobs pay over $100K?

In life science research, roles such as senior research scientist, principal investigator, or biotech director often have salaries exceeding $100,000, especially with advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions typically require strong expertise in molecular biology, data analysis, and project management, and may involve leadership responsibilities in laboratory or industry settings.

What is life science research?

Life science research is the scientific study of living organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Researchers in this field investigate the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living systems. They use a variety of techniques and tools to understand biological processes and develop solutions to real-world problems, such as disease prevention, agricultural improvements, and environmental conservation. Life science research is essential for advancing knowledge in fields like medicine, genetics, biotechnology, and ecology.

What is a life science researcher?

A life science researcher is a professional who studies living organisms, such as plants, animals, and humans, to understand biological processes and develop new knowledge. They often work in laboratories, using tools like microscopes and lab equipment, and may require specialized education or training in biology, biochemistry, or related fields.

What is the difference between Life Science Research vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLife Science ResearchLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biology, Biochemistry, or related fieldsAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch and development, academia, biotech firmsQuality control, testing, routine lab procedures
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on experimental design, data analysis, and hypothesis testingFocuses on sample preparation, testing, and lab maintenance

Life Science Research involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and advancing scientific knowledge, often requiring higher education. Laboratory Technicians perform routine tests, prepare samples, and support research activities, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in scientific labs but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work scope.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In life science research, high-paying roles such as specialized lab technicians, sales representatives for scientific equipment, or freelance consultants can reach or exceed $10,000 per month without a formal degree, often requiring relevant experience, certifications, or technical skills. These positions typically involve hands-on work, industry knowledge, and sometimes self-employment or contract work to achieve higher income levels.

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

To thrive as a Life Science Researcher, you need a strong background in biology, chemistry, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree such as a bachelor's, master's, or PhD. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software (such as SPSS or R), and scientific writing are typically required, along with adherence to safety and ethical standards. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration enable researchers to design experiments, solve problems, and work well within a team. These skills and qualities are essential for generating reliable scientific results and advancing knowledge in the life sciences.

What are some common challenges life science researchers face when conducting experiments, and how can they be addressed?

Life science researchers often encounter challenges such as reproducibility of results, managing large datasets, and troubleshooting experimental protocols. To address these issues, it's important to maintain meticulous documentation, regularly calibrate equipment, and stay informed about best practices in experimental design. Collaborating closely with colleagues and seeking feedback can also help identify potential pitfalls early, improving both the reliability and efficiency of research outcomes.
More about Life Science Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Life Science Research jobs? Cities with the most Life Science Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Life Science Research jobs? The most popular types of Life Science Research jobs are:
What states have the most Life Science Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Life Science Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Life Science Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,815 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Director of R&D, Artificial Intelligence

Director of R&D, Artificial Intelligence

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Frederick, MD

$176K - $264K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 398 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

About Thermo Fisher Scientific:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $50 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of lifechanging therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD.

How will you make an impact?
We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of AI in R&D to lead the integration of advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities into our life science research and product development pipelines. This role sits at the intersection of science, data, and innovation, driving the development of AI-powered solutions that will help accelerate the pace of discovery, improve decision-making, and create competitive advantages. This role operates as a hands-on leader working across a matrixed organization to guide and deliver impactful AI/ML initiatives. The successful candidate will partner with cross-functional teams of scientists, software engineers, and domain experts to shape and execute an AI-driven informatics vision that accelerates scientific discovery.

What will you do?
• Help to define and execute the AI strategy for R&D, aligned with organizational goals and innovation priorities
• Partner with R&D domain experts to identify high-value use cases and translate them into technical solutions
• Serve as a technical thought leader in applying AI/ML to life sciences, guiding project design, methodology, and implementation
• Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives by influencing and coordinating teams across organizational boundaries
• Drive adoption of AI tools and methodologies across R&D teams
• Partner with stakeholders to identify high-impact opportunities and translate them into scalable computational strategies and solutions
• Contribute directly to model development, data analysis, and algorithm design where appropriate, maintaining a hands-on technical presence
• Champion the integration of generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and foundation models into scientific workflows
• Establish best practices for data quality, model validation, reproducibility, and responsible AI use
• Influence the design of data architecture and pipelines to support robust AI/ML applications
• Evaluate emerging technologies and external collaborations to accelerate innovation
• Stay current with emerging AI technologies and assess their applicability to the organization and non-technical stakeholders
• Communicate complex technical concepts and insights clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership
• Represent the organization through scientific publications, conference presentations, and external partnerships

How will you get here?

Education

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Engineering, or a related field preferred
Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Engineering, or a related field

Experience
• 5-10 years of experience in computational life sciences, including strong experience applying AI/ML to R&D processes in innovation driven environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex informatics projects and teams in the life sciences research industry
• Proven ability to translate scientific problems into computational and AI-driven solutions at scale
• Experience with data architecture and cloud platforms
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
• May require occasional travel (up to 20%)

We Offer:
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Career development opportunities within a global organization
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advances that impact human health
• Flexible work arrangements

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $176,000.00–$264,050.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

  • Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards


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