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Senior Lab Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services ... Bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering or equivalent discipline with 5-8 ...

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Senior Lab Scientist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$68.7K

$114.3K

$170.1K

How much do senior lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior lab scientist in Silver Spring, MD is $114,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $129,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Lab Scientist, you need advanced knowledge in laboratory procedures, data analysis, and a relevant science degree, often supported by years of hands-on lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), specialized analytical instruments, and certifications such as CLIA or ASCP are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate scientific results, efficient team management, and adherence to rigorous safety and quality standards in laboratory environments.

What is the difference between Senior Lab Scientist vs Lab Technician?

AspectSenior Lab ScientistLab Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant science, extensive experienceAssociate's degree or diploma, basic laboratory training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, quality control, product developmentRoutine testing, sample preparation, equipment setup
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, research institutionsManufacturing, clinical labs, quality assurance

The main difference between a Senior Lab Scientist and a Lab Technician lies in their experience, responsibilities, and qualifications. Senior Lab Scientists typically hold advanced degrees and oversee complex experiments, while Lab Technicians focus on routine testing and sample handling. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in scope and expertise.

What does a Senior Lab Scientist do?

A Senior Lab Scientist leads and oversees scientific research and laboratory operations, often specializing in a particular field such as biology, chemistry, or medical diagnostics. They design and supervise experiments, analyze data, ensure quality control, and may mentor junior staff. Senior Lab Scientists also play a critical role in developing protocols, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and contributing to scientific publications. Their expertise supports advancements in research, product development, or clinical testing, depending on the industry.

How does a Senior Lab Scientist typically contribute to mentoring junior staff and promoting knowledge sharing within the laboratory?

A Senior Lab Scientist often plays a key role in mentoring junior scientists and technicians by providing guidance on experimental techniques, troubleshooting protocols, and interpreting complex data. They are usually responsible for fostering a collaborative environment, organizing knowledge-sharing sessions, and ensuring adherence to best practices. This mentorship not only supports the professional growth of team members but also enhances the overall productivity and quality standards of the laboratory.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Lab Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Senior Lab Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Senior Lab Scientist jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Senior Lab Scientist job openings:
Senior Data Scientist, Bioinformatics

Senior Data Scientist, Bioinformatics

Precigen, Inc

Germantown, MD โ€ข On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a proficient Senior Data Scientist within Precigenโ€™s Bioinformatics team who will be responsible for sequence data analysis, statistical analysis, and data mining. This individual will maintain and develop analysis pipelines, run data analyses, visualize results and communicate them to lab scientists and principal investigators. Extensive experience with DNA and RNA sequencing analysis and strong knowledge of statistical methods, coupled with a solid understanding of foundational biological principles, will be required. You will join a transnational team working at the intersection of biology, data science, and software development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform computational analysis of DNA and RNA sequences.
  • Perform statistical analyses on experimental data from molecular and cell biology, immunology and oncology.
  • Mine clinical data with machine learning methods.
  • Perform computational analysis of protein sequence data.
  • Visualize and communicate analysis results to biologists.
  • Contribute to scientific writing.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • PhD, MS, or equivalent experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, computational biology, bioinformatics or a related discipline.
  • Five or more years of experience with computational DNA analysis (insertion analysis, variant analysis), bulk and single cell RNA analysis, expression analysis, and pathway analysis.
  • Familiarity with bioinformatics concepts and standard tools for sequence data handling, sequence alignment, and differential expression analysis.
  • Good knowledge of statistics.
  • Familiarity with the Unix/Linux command line.
  • Strong programming skills in R and Perl.
  • Extensive experience with data analysis and visualization.
  • Knowledge of and experience with machine learning concepts and methods.
  • Experience with protein sequence analysis from mass spectrometry data.
  • Familiarity with AI-based tools is appreciated.

DESIRED KEY COMPETENCIES:

  • Capable of adapting to rapidly changing and developing requirements.
  • The candidate can engage effectively with scientists to understand the design, rationale, and scientific context of lab experiments, ensuring that data analyses align with experimental goals.
  • They can clearly communicate the methods, reasoning, results, and interpretations of their analyses within the Bioinformatics team and across research groups.
  • Ready to seek, accept, and provide feedback and advice from and to team colleagues and management.
  • Communicates issues and problems openly and early.
  • Exhibits high performance both independently and in a team setting.
  • Delivers work on schedule and within agreed timeframes.
  • Is comfortable with communicating predominantly via electronic means.
  • Effectively conveys information in a clear, structured manner.
  • Can interact proficiently in an international and culturally diverse environment where not everyone is a native speaker of English.
  • Sufficient language skills in German to discuss professional matters are a plus.


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