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Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brewer Science Inc.

Data Scientist

Rolla, MO · On-site

Brewer Science, Inc. is a major innovator of high-technology solutions for the semiconductor / microelectronics markets. We are currently seeking a purpose-driven candidate with an ownership ...

Eurofins Scientific

Scientist - Bioassay

Columbia, MO

$33.50 - $42/hr

Company Description Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our ...

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Scientist, FPD

Foster City, CA · On-site

A Scientist within FPD may support teams conducting compound screening to enable drug candidate selection, drug substance physio/chemical property assessment and form selection, development of ...

Eurofins Scientific

Scientist, SIMS

Sunnyvale, CA

Our scientists and engineers support industries ranging from semiconductors and advanced electronics to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, energy systems, and consumer products. Using advanced ...

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How much do scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientist in the United States is $49.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.56 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Scientist do?

A Scientist is a professional who conducts research to increase knowledge in a specific field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. They design and perform experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings to advance understanding and solve real-world problems. Scientists may work in laboratories, universities, government agencies, or private industry. Their work often contributes to technological advancements, public health, and policy development.

What Does a Scientist Do?

Scientists work in a remarkably diverse array of industries. Companies employ scientists to develop and improve products. Universities hire scientists to teach and do research in different disciplines; healthcare companies have a team of scientists working on medications, vaccines, and new treatments; and governments employ scientists to help with public projects. Scientists not only perform their specific job duties, but they contribute to the broader scientific community to increase knowledge of the physical world.

What is the difference between Scientist vs Chemist?

AspectScientistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in science-related fieldsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in chemistry or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry settingsLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research institutions
Industry UsageBroadly used across scientific research, academia, industryPrimarily in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, quality control

While both Scientists and Chemists work in research and laboratory settings, Scientists have a broader scope across various scientific fields, whereas Chemists specialize specifically in chemistry. Chemists often focus on chemical reactions, compounds, and materials, while Scientists may work in multiple disciplines such as biology, physics, or environmental science. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their specific focus areas differ based on industry needs.

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

To thrive as a Scientist, you need a solid background in your scientific discipline, strong analytical skills, and typically at least a bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or R), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating and sharing findings. These skills ensure rigorous research, reliable results, and impactful contributions to scientific advancement.

What are some common challenges scientists face when working on multidisciplinary research teams?

Scientists often collaborate with experts from various fields, which can present challenges such as differing terminologies, research methodologies, and expectations. Navigating these differences requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from other disciplines. Successful multidisciplinary teamwork often leads to innovative solutions, but it also demands effective project management and regular coordination to ensure all team members are aligned toward shared goals.
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Scientist jobs near you

Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences

Pivotal Life Sciences

San Diego, CA • On-site

$120K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences
Location: San Diego
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us: We are an innovative, stealth-mode biotech focused on developing best-in-class delivery for in vivo gene editing.
Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientific leader to join our team as a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences. This role will provide deep technical expertise in bacterial recombinant protein production programs that support research and development. The successful candidate will drive process development, scale-up strategy, and external manufacturing oversight in a fast-moving, collaborative environment. Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a technical expert for recombinant protein expression, downstream purification, and analytical characterization.
  • Design, develop, optimize, and scale bacterial culture, recombinant protein purification, and downstream processes for internal research programs and external manufacturing activities.
  • Develop robust purification strategies using multiple chromatography modalities, including affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, and mixed-mode chromatography.
  • Manage and oversee CDMO activities, including technology transfer, process troubleshooting, timelines, deliverables, and communication with external partners.
  • Partner cross-functionally with research, analytical, quality, and leadership teams to translate research priorities into executable process development plans.
  • Establish clear documentation, protocols, experimental plans, and data packages that support research decisions, process understanding, and external partner execution.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, development strategies, data-driven recommendations, and risk assessments to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:
  • D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6-10+ years of progressive experience in bacterial recombinant protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development.
  • Demonstrated experience leading projects and mentoring or managing scientists.
  • Hands-on expertise with recombinant protein purification using FPLC and chromatography approaches such as affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, or mixed-mode chromatography.
  • Experience developing and executing normal-flow filtration, tangential-flow filtration, and UF/DF processes.
  • Strong working knowledge of recombinant protein analytical characterization using techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and other biochemical or biophysical assays.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with downstream purification and polishing of AAV, lentiviral, or exosomal (EV) vectors.
  • Routine use of electronic laboratory notebooks, such as Benchling, with a strong commitment to data integrity.
  • Direct experience managing or collaborating with CDMOs for process development or manufacturing.
  • Experience with bioreactor operations, scale-up, and technology transfer.
  • Protein characterization experience using HPLC/UPLC and/or LC-MS.
  • Familiarity with regulatory expectations related to bioprocessing and manufacturing.
  • Background in protein engineering, recombinant protein production, or research-stage process development.

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
  • Fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
  • We offer an exceptional benefits package to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, a 401k Match of 4%, Paid Time Off and Equity.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience. To be considered for the role, applicants must be:
  • Eligible to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
  • Able to work onsite in the San Diego lab.
  • A direct candidate and not represented by a third-party staffing agency.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Salary Range
$120,000 - $198,000

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