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Professional Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

SCIENTIST

Newport, RI

$101K/yr

... as a professional scientist analyzing or computing modeling for the development of undersea ... programs or technologies. Examples of qualifying experience may include: developing and testing ...

US Department of the Navy

SCIENTIST

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$102K/yr

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional scientist, performing mathematical and statistical theories, techniques, or analysis to support ordnance assessment in data ...

Naval Sea Systems Command

SCIENTIST

Newport, RI · On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

... as a professional scientist analyzing or computing modeling for the development of undersea ... programs or technologies. Examples of qualifying experience may include: developing and testing ...

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

... scientist or engineer applying systems engineering principles to research, analyze, interpret ... For the 0801 Professional Engineering Series and 0850 Electrical Engineering Series: Degree:

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Professional Scientist information

What is a professional scientist?

A Professional Scientist is someone who applies scientific knowledge and methods to investigate, analyze, and solve problems in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and more. They often conduct research, perform experiments, and interpret data to advance scientific understanding or develop new technologies. Professional Scientists may work in academia, industry, government, or private research organizations, and often require advanced degrees and specialized training.

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

To thrive as a Professional Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, usually supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and adherence to safety and regulatory standards are typically required. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear written and verbal communication help scientists excel in collaborative research environments. These skills ensure accurate experimentation, reliable data interpretation, and effective communication of findings, all of which are vital for scientific progress and innovation.

What are some common challenges professional scientists face when working on cross-disciplinary projects?

Professional Scientists often collaborate with colleagues from different scientific backgrounds, which can present challenges such as aligning methodologies, terminology, and expectations. Effective communication and a willingness to learn about other disciplines are essential for overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, balancing the goals of multiple stakeholders and integrating diverse data sets require flexibility and strong project management skills. These experiences, however, can greatly enhance professional growth and lead to innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Professional Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectProfessional ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a relevant advanced degree (Master's or PhD) and professional licensing or certification in some fieldsUsually holds a Master's or PhD; certification is less common
Work EnvironmentOften employed in government agencies, consulting firms, or private industry, with a focus on applying scientific principles to real-world problemsPrimarily based in research labs, universities, or corporate R&D, focusing on experimental and theoretical research
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, consulting, and industry sectors; recognized as a licensed or certified professionalCommonly found in academia, research institutions, and corporate R&D; less emphasis on licensing

The main difference between a Professional Scientist and a Research Scientist lies in their credentials, work environment, and industry usage. Professional Scientists often hold certifications and work in applied settings, while Research Scientists focus on experimental research in academic or R&D environments.

What do professional scientists do?

Professional scientists conduct research to expand knowledge in their field, analyze data, develop experiments, and publish findings. They often work in laboratories or field settings, using specialized tools and methods, and may require advanced degrees and certifications relevant to their discipline.

What cities are hiring for Professional Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Scientist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs?

The most popular types of Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Scientist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Professional Scientist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Scientist jobs are:

Professional Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

SCIENTIST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Newport, RI

$101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a COMPUTER SCIENTIST in the UNDERSEA WARFARE MISSION ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DEPT of NAVUNSEAWARCENDIV NEWPORT RI.
Per 5 CFR 335.103(c)(3)(v), this is a non-competitive reassignment opportunity open to those qualified who hold (or have held) a position equivalent to (or higher than) an ND-04 on a permanent basis in the competitive service.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower pay band ND-03 (GS-9/11 equivalent) in the Federal service, or in the public or private sector as a professional scientist analyzing or computing modeling for the development of undersea programs or technologies. Examples of qualifying experience may include: developing and testing software, utilizing software configuration management tools, and collaborating with team members.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
Employment Type: OTHER

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