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Scientific Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Scientific Director will oversee the development of technically accurate and high-quality deliverables for Publications/Medical Affairs accounts. This role will serve as a strategic ...

At Houston Methodist, the Research/Scientific Director is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) through leadership in innovation ...

The Scientific Director partners cross-functionally to ensure high-quality, timely decision-making and proactive risk mitigation across the portfolio. Key Responsibilities Scientific and ...

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Scientific Director information

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$92K

$156.7K

$193.5K

How much do scientific director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific director in the United States is $156,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,500.00 and $169,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Scientific Director vs Research Scientist?

AspectScientific DirectorResearch Scientist
Required credentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or MD), extensive research experienceTypically a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field
Work environmentLeadership roles in labs, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companiesLaboratory or field research settings, often under supervision
Employer and industry usageUsed in biotech, pharma, academia for overseeing research programsCommon in research labs, academia, and industry for conducting experiments

The main difference is that a Scientific Director oversees research programs and manages teams, requiring leadership skills and strategic planning, while a Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and generating data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the Scientific Director has broader responsibilities in guiding research direction.

How does a Scientific Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research organization?

Scientific Directors play a central role in coordinating efforts across various departments, such as research scientists, clinical teams, regulatory affairs, and business development. They facilitate communication to ensure that scientific objectives align with organizational goals and project timelines. Regular meetings, joint project planning, and shared data platforms are commonly used to maintain transparency and drive progress. This collaborative approach helps streamline decision-making and fosters innovation by integrating diverse expertise.

What is a Scientific Director?

A Scientific Director is a senior leader responsible for overseeing and guiding the scientific research and development efforts within an organization. They set the strategic direction for research programs, manage scientific teams, and ensure projects align with the organization’s goals and regulatory standards. Scientific Directors often collaborate with other departments, secure funding, and represent the organization at conferences or in partnerships. Their role is crucial in driving innovation and maintaining the quality and integrity of scientific work.

What Does a Scientific Director Do?

A scientific director manages research programs for a company, organization, or institution. Your job duties can vary depending on where you work, but as a scientific director, you help define the research direction of an organization. You may oversee laboratory experiments, hire researchers to meet staffing needs, and offer guidance so that the research meets specific goals. You establish initiatives and create strategies that help your facility meet particular objectives. A scientific director sometimes acts as a liaison between researchers and other executives or administrators.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Director, you need advanced expertise in scientific research, typically supported by a Ph.D. and significant leadership experience in your field. Proficiency with research management tools, data analysis software, and familiarity with regulatory compliance systems is expected. Strong strategic thinking, communication, and team leadership skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are vital for driving innovative research, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring project success within organizational and regulatory frameworks.
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Senior Scientific Director

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The role  
Scientific Director

Research, write, edit and proof copy to the highest standard (scientific and grammatical) for a broad range of medical communications channels and for various audiences, including abstracts, posters, manuscripts, slide decks, print items, and digital.  

Responsibilities  

Provide Scientific Acumen and Support  

Research, write, annotate, edit and proof content to the highest standard, fulfilling the  requirements of the client and direct manager, while meeting all objectives and deadlines  
Conduct literature searches and identify appropriate supporting material  

Manage and coordinate materials through inception to approval stage  

Accurate/precise interpretation and incorporation of client/author corrections  
Assists project teams by providing scientific input at critical junctures  

Assist with presentations to clients/speakers/third party organizations  

Create and maintain references for assigned products  

Support senior scientific staff as needed  

Provide on-site support to meet client requirements, eg, on-site writing/editing/production, faculty support, A/V, data gathering, general assistance when appropriate 

Effective interaction with internal staff at  an appropriate scientific and professional level   

Performance Standards  

Accurately incorporates changes in content in an efficient manner  

Actively integrates existing brand related content into new communication projects  

Demonstrates knowledge and enthusiastically maintains/strengthens understanding of assigned brands/projects  

Displays high level of scientific understanding and ability to learn quickly  

Effectively develops good relations with internal groups  

Demonstrates passion for the brands and related programs  

Demonstrates the ability to work independently and with groups  

Background/experience and skills  
Advanced Scientific/Medical degree(PhD, PharmD, MD)  

4+years’medical/scientific writing/editing experience  

High attention to detail– style/consistency, grammar, syntax, scientific accuracy, layout, etc.  

Knowledge of a number of therapeutic areas, medical products and the pharmaceutical industry  

Good project/time management and organizational skills  

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, often under very tight timelines  

Knowledgeable in PowerPoint Â