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Senior Innovation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Big Bend, WI

$90K - $122.90K/yr

The Senior Scientist supports the Chief Science Officer in executing CoreFX Ingredients' applied research and innovation initiatives. This role is hands-on and lab-focused, responsible for designing ...

Senior Scientist

Big Bend, WI · On-site

$90K - $122.90K/yr

The Senior Scientist supports the Chief Science Officer in executing CoreFX Ingredients' applied research and innovation initiatives. This role is hands-on and lab-focused, responsible for designing ...

Business Analyst Sr (Innovation & Technology) At Jefferson County (Jeffco) Business Innovation ... Prefer a major in computer science, information systems, information technology, software ...

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Senior Innovation Scientist information

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$66.5K

$110.5K

$164.5K

How much do senior innovation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior innovation scientist in the United States is $110,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Innovation Scientist, you need an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field, extensive research experience, and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis software, and intellectual property processes is often required. Creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for driving innovation and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully developing novel solutions, advancing R&D initiatives, and maintaining a competitive edge in rapidly evolving industries.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Senior Innovation Scientist when bringing new ideas from concept to implementation?

Senior Innovation Scientists often encounter challenges such as aligning innovative concepts with business goals, securing stakeholder buy-in, and navigating resource constraints. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams is essential to translate scientific breakthroughs into viable products or processes while managing timelines and regulatory requirements. Adaptability and strong communication skills are crucial for overcoming roadblocks and ensuring that innovation projects progress successfully from the lab to real-world application.

What is a Senior Innovation Scientist?

A Senior Innovation Scientist is a highly experienced professional who leads research and development activities to create new products, technologies, or processes within an organization. They identify opportunities for innovation, design experiments, analyze data, and guide teams through the development process. Their role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, staying current with industry trends, and ensuring that new solutions align with the company’s strategic goals. Senior Innovation Scientists also mentor junior scientists and help shape the innovation strategy of their organization.

What is the difference between Senior Innovation Scientist vs Innovation Scientist?

AspectSenior Innovation ScientistInnovation Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Science/Engineering, PhD often preferred, with experience in innovation projectsBachelor's or Master's in Science/Engineering, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, cross-functional teamsResearch teams, product development, innovation labs
Employer & Industry UsageTech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and R&D-focused companiesSimilar industries, often as entry or mid-level roles in innovation teams

In summary, a Senior Innovation Scientist typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced expertise compared to an Innovation Scientist. Both roles work within R&D environments, but the senior position often involves guiding projects and mentoring junior staff.

More about Senior Innovation Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Innovation Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Innovation Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Innovation Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Innovation Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Innovation Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Innovation Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Innovation Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $110,545 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Innovation Engineer - Office of the Vice President for Research

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it. If you're passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) has responsibility for nurturing interdisciplinary research initiatives at one of the nations' leading research institutions. OVPR provides overall research administration and policy for all colleges and schools, as well as the university's more than 100 centers and institutes. Working closely with deans, department heads, faculty, students and staff, the office provides an innovative and supportive research environment that spans all disciplines and campuses and assures that research activities are planned and conducted in accordance with regulations and University policy.
The Institute for Computer-Aided Reasoning in Mathematics (ICARM) is a new NSF Mathematical Sciences Research Institute located at Carnegie Mellon University. Our mission is to:
  • Empower mathematicians to take advantage of emerging technologies for mathematical reasoning.
  • Support cross-disciplinary collaboration to explore and extend these technologies.
  • Ensure that mathematics and these tools are accessible to a broad audience.

A distinctive feature of ICARM is our Innovation Engineer team-technical staff who work side-by-side with mathematicians and other researchers to build, adapt, and apply tools from all facets of AI to solve concrete problems in mathematical research.
We are seeking Innovation Engineers and Senior Innovation Engineers to join our founding team. You will:
  • Develop documentation, tutorials, training materials, and other resources to help others adopt and extend these solutions.
  • Provide technical support and mentorship to mathematicians learning or applying new reasoning technologies.
  • Maintain and curate software, datasets, and other resources for the community.
  • Collaborate on the design, implementation, and refinement of tools for formal mathematics.
  • Foster connections across disciplines, including mathematics, computer science, education, and industry.
  • Participate in ICARM programs such as workshops, summer schools, and collaborative visits.

You might be a good fit if you have experience in one of the following:
  • Proof assistants and formalization of mathematics (e.g., Lean, Coq, Isabelle)
  • Automated reasoning for mathematics (e.g., SAT/SMT solvers, first-order theorem provers)
  • Machine learning for mathematics (e.g., model architectures for theorem proving, data-driven exploration of mathematical structures)
  • Or experience in related areas and a passion for mathematical discovery

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds: from recent graduates with strong potential to experienced professionals who can lead substantial technical efforts.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree required.
  • 1-3 years of systems programming and administration experience.
  • Proficiency in at least one relevant technical domain.
  • Strong software engineering skills and familiarity with collaborative development practices.
  • Ability to work closely with researchers and translate between mathematical goals and technical solutions.
  • A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in mathematics, computer science, or a related field-or equivalent practical experience.
  • 3-5 years of systems programming and administration experience.
  • Experience contributing to open-source projects.
  • Background in mathematical research or close collaboration with researchers.

To be a Senior Innovation Engineer, you should have a few years of experience beyond the PhD working with the technologies of interest to the institute, or several years of experience beyond the Masters or Bachelor's Degree. If you are uncertain whether the senior level is appropriate, apply for the Innovation Engineer position and the level can be determined later.
Requirements:
  • Successful background check

Additional Information:
  • This is an in-person position based in Pittsburgh, PA, with opportunities for occasional travel to conferences, workshops, and partner sites. Pittsburgh offers an unusually high quality of life for its cost of living, a thriving arts and food scene, beautiful parks and rivers, and a welcoming, collaborative tech community anchored by Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Please attach a resume and cover letter with your application for full consideration.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance

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