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Project Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Project Scientist information

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$37.5K

$80.2K

$149K

How much do project scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for project scientist in California is $80,212.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project scientist?

Project scientists are assigned research tasks on a project. You find project scientists in many different industries. As a project scientist, you may work to create new products in a specific industry to meet projected market demands, or you may research ways to improve an established product. For example, a project scientist in the textile industry may try to discover a soft yet durable fabric to be used in making clothing. To become a project scientist, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in the science field in which you wish to work and extensive research experience.

What is a project scientist?

A Project Scientist is a professional who manages and conducts scientific research within specific projects, often in academic, government, or industry settings. They are responsible for designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring that the scientific goals of the project are met. Project Scientists often collaborate with other researchers, supervise laboratory staff, and contribute to scientific publications or reports. Unlike principal investigators, they may not lead their own research groups but play a critical role in advancing project objectives.

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

To thrive as a Project Scientist, you need advanced scientific knowledge, research experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory instruments, and project management tools is common in this role. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies enable Project Scientists to efficiently lead research initiatives, ensure data integrity, and achieve project goals within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a project scientist within a research team?

As a Project Scientist, you will frequently collaborate with principal investigators, research associates, technicians, and sometimes external partners to execute project goals. You are often responsible for coordinating experimental design, data analysis, and reporting findings, ensuring that all project milestones are met. Regular meetings, interdisciplinary teamwork, and clear communication are crucial to address challenges, share progress, and integrate diverse expertise within the group. This collaborative environment fosters learning and may open opportunities for leading sub-projects or mentoring junior staff.

What is the difference between Project Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectProject Scientist

Required CredentialsTypically requires a Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant scientific field
Work EnvironmentWorks on specific projects, often within research institutions or industry labs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in government agencies, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and research organizations
Primary FocusConducts research, experiments, and data analysis to support project goals

Research Scientists and Project Scientists both hold advanced degrees and work in research settings. However, Research Scientists often focus on fundamental research and long-term scientific inquiry, while Project Scientists are more involved in applying research to specific projects with defined objectives. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but Project Scientists tend to work more closely with project management and deliverables.

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Project Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,212 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Project Scientist - Laser Liason

Stanfordlivetickets

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a SLAC Directorate at Stanford University, is a national scientific user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3 GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3, the associated injector facility, and synchrotron radiation beam lines on SPEAR3.

SSRL is seeking an outstanding laser scientist to advance time‑resolved X‑ray science across SLAC’s photon science facilities. Time‑resolved techniques are a strategic priority for SSRL, a core capability of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), and a foundational research area of the Stanford PULSE Institute, a joint SLAC–Stanford research institute within the Energy Sciences Directorate.

The successful candidate will lead the development, deployment, and operation of advanced laser pump capabilities that enable cutting‑edge X‑ray experiments at SSRL and LCLS. This role will bridge state‑of‑the‑art laser research and development with user‑driven X‑ray science, helping expand experimental opportunities for the scientific community and supporting SLAC’s leadership in ultrafast science.

Note: The Project Scientist role is a fixed-term staff position. It is a three-year appointment beginning immediately, with the possibility of extension contingent upon project needs and funding.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Your specific responsibilities of this position include, but is not limited to:
  • Collaborate with beamline staff to design, develop, deploy, and operate a high-power mid-infrared (MIR) laser for pump-probe experiments at SSRL beamline 17-2. Support and maintain the system during user-led pump probe experiments.
  • Develop robust, high-powered MIR laser sources to enable new classes of pump-probe experiments for LCLS-II and LCLS-II-HE user programs to support forefront research in materials science and chemistry.
  • Design, build, and characterize MIR laser systems at PULSE in the Arrillaga Science Center laboratories to support the development of new MIR generation schemes and integration with SSRL and LCLS research programs.
  • Serves as a System Laser Safety Officer (SLSO) for relevant laser laboratories and beamlines at SSRL, LCLS, and PULSE.
  • Commission newly deployed systems at SSRL and LCLS, optimize performance during initial user experiments, establish operational procedures for routine use, and provide ongoing technical consultation and troubleshooting support. Gather user feedback to guide future system enhancements and next‑generation development.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Ph.D. in physics, optics, condensed matter physics, engineering or related fields, with at least two years of postdoctoral experience in pump-probe measurements, ultrafast laser systems, or nonlinear optics.
  • Demonstrated expertise in high-power THz and/or MIR laser systems.
  • Research/publication record commensurate with level of work experience.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts. Ability to write clear technical documentation and user manuals.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as work unsupervised.
  • Ability to collaborate across organizations and manage/lead cross-functional efforts in a fast‑paced and dynamic research environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to conceptualize designs and strong analytical and problem‑solving skills combined with creative and innovating thinking.
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