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Scientific Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You are expected to apply various scientific principles to drive innovation. Every day you will design and execute rigorous laboratory research, contributing to ongoing studies through meticulous ...

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Scientific Research information

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$66

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$71

How much do scientific research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific research in the United States is $69.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68.51 and $70.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a research scientist?

To become a research scientist, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is typically required, with many positions requiring a master's or doctoral degree such as a Ph.D. in the specific area of research. Strong analytical skills, experience with laboratory techniques or data analysis, and proficiency with scientific tools and software are also important qualifications.

What is the difference between Scientific Research vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScientific ResearchLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in a scientific fieldUsually requires a diploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or corporate R&D departmentsClinical, industrial, or educational laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and career pathsJob responsibilities, required skills, and certifications

Scientific Research involves designing and conducting experiments to advance knowledge in a specific field, often requiring advanced degrees. Laboratory Technicians support research and testing processes, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles work in lab environments but differ in scope, responsibilities, and educational requirements.

What are high paying research jobs?

High-paying research jobs typically include roles such as senior research scientist, research director, or principal investigator, often requiring advanced degrees like a Ph.D. and specialized skills. These positions are common in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and technology, and may involve leadership responsibilities, grant management, and publication of findings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Scientific Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Scientific Research, you need a strong background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and research databases is commonly required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing experiments and sharing findings. These skills ensure rigorous, reproducible research and successful collaboration within the scientific community.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in scientific research roles?

Professionals in scientific research often encounter challenges such as securing funding for projects, managing tight deadlines, and navigating the peer review process for publishing findings. Collaboration is key, as researchers typically work in multidisciplinary teams and must communicate complex ideas clearly. Staying current with rapidly evolving technology and scientific literature is also essential for success in this field.

How do you become a scientific researcher?

To become a scientific researcher, typically one needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physics, with many roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, or laboratory work is important, along with developing skills in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. Familiarity with research tools and adherence to safety and ethical standards are also essential for success in this field.

What does a scientific researcher do?

A scientific researcher conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data, and develops new knowledge in a specific field of science. They often work in laboratories or research institutions, utilizing tools like microscopes, software, and laboratory equipment, and may publish findings in scientific journals.

What is scientific research?

Scientific research is a systematic and methodical process of investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge in the field of science. It typically involves formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments or observations, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Scientific research aims to deepen our understanding of the natural world, solve practical problems, and contribute to technological and medical advances.
More about Scientific Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientific Research jobs? Cities with the most Scientific Research job openings:
What states have the most Scientific Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Scientific Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Scientific Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,000 per year, or $69.7 per hour.
Director, Discovery Research Scientific Insights

Director, Discovery Research Scientific Insights

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Director, Discovery Research Scientific Insights is a senior scientific and strategic partner to the Head of Discovery Research Program Management & External Partnerships and the Senior Vice President, Discovery Research. This role delivers rapid scientific assessment, portfolio insight, and decision-ready recommendations on high-priority research, partnership, and executive matters.
This role is accountable for providing independent scientific assessments, synthesizing cross-functional input, and delivering clear recommendations to senior Discovery Research leadership. The scope includes external opportunities, partnered programs, portfolio issues, and other high-priority scientific topics requiring rapid evaluation and executive communication. The role requires deep knowledge of the Discovery Research continuum, from target and disease biology through discovery strategy, candidate progression, translational planning, and transition to IND/early clinical development, to identify risks, frame options, and support leadership decisions.
Responsibilities:
  • Partner with senior Discovery Research leadership on high-priority scientific, portfolio, and executive matters. Responsible for questioning and advising the business to create the best possible outcome to complex scientific issues or projects.
  • Bring rigorous conceptual thinking to rapidly assess urgent and complex scientific questions by framing issues, engaging experts, and synthesizing recommendations.
  • Leverage deep end-to-end drug discovery expertise to evaluate external research opportunities, including scientific rationale, feasibility, differentiation, risk, and strategic fit.
  • Translate complex or incomplete scientific information into concise, decision-ready summaries, options, and clear recommendations.
  • Maintain visibility across all Discovery-stage external partnerships, including program status, milestones, emerging issues, and leadership decision points.
  • Provide external portfolio insights and executive updates that are accurate, analytically rigorous, and actionable.
  • Drive cross-functional alignment with alliance managers and internal stakeholders to surface risks, opportunities, and recommendations for external collaborations.
  • Support time-sensitive leadership communications with clear, balanced, and scientifically sound content.
  • Anticipate emerging scientific or partnership issues and develop options to enable timely leadership decisions.

Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline; PhD preferred or equivalent scientific training and experience.
  • 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D, including substantial Discovery Research experience.
  • Deep knowledge of the drug discovery continuum through IND-enabling and/or early clinical development.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific opportunities and translate complex data into recommendations for senior leaders.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level scientific communications. Experience supporting executive reviews, governance forums, or high-stakes scientific communications.
  • Exceptional scientific judgment, strategic thinking, and ability to operate effectively under ambiguity.
  • Extensive experience evaluating external innovation, research collaborations, or partnered programs.
  • Broad scientific curiosity and the ability to rapidly learn, understand, and evaluate science across therapeutic areas, modalities, and emerging topics.

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of thisposting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless anduntil paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013