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Senior Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ATCC

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Senior Scientist initiates, executes, and directs scientific research, troubleshoots complex research activities, and applies scientific principles and research methods to solve challenging ...

ATCC Biotechnology

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

The Senior Scientist initiates, executes, and directs scientific research, troubleshoots complex research activities, and applies scientific principles and research methods to solve challenging ...

ATCC

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA

$120K - $140K/yr

The Senior Scientist initiates, executes, and directs scientific research, troubleshoots complex research activities, and applies scientific principles and research methods to solve challenging ...

ECS

Senior Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Scientist to work in our Arlington, Virginia office. Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award. Salary Range: $180,000 - $210,000 Everforth ECS ...

NCSL International

Senior Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$150 - $235/hr

Senior Scientist What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Scientist to support research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for overhead persistent infrared and electro ...

University of Virginia

Senior Scientist

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

The W.M. Keck Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Lab - a part of the Biomolecular Analysis Facility Core at the University of Virginia - seeks a Senior Scientist to expand our work in the areas of ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Scientist to support research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for overhead persistent infrared and electro-optical/infrared ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Scientist to support research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for overhead persistent infrared and electro-optical/infrared ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Scientist to support research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for overhead persistent infrared and electro-optical/infrared ...

CACI

Senior Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$98K - $206K/yr

Senior Scientist Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local

CACI

Senior Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$98K - $206K/yr

Senior Scientist Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local

Eli Lilly and Company

TSMS- Sr. Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Senior Scientist - Technical Services/Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) Cleaning As our biologics pipeline continues to expand, Eli Lilly & Company has invested in a state-of-the-art new facility in ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$89.54 - $247.97/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

Eli Lilly and Company

TSMS- Sr. Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Senior Scientist - Technical Services/Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) Cleaning As our biologics pipeline continues to expand, Eli Lilly & Company has invested in a state-of-the-art new facility in ...

ECS

Senior Scientist with Security Clearance

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Scientist to work in our Arlington, Virginia office. Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award. Salary Range: $180,000 - $210,000 Everforth ECS ...

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All JobsScientist JobsSenior Scientist JobsSenior Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Senior Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$65.9K

$109.6K

$163.1K

How much do senior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist in Virginia is $109,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior scientist?

A senior scientist is a research professional who oversees a lab or the development of a research project and directs other scientists and assistants to carry out tasks on the project. In an academic setting, your duties and responsibilities also include overseeing doctoral dissertations and teaching classes. As a senior scientist, you can work in many industries outside academia, including the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and medical products industries. Due to the variety of employment options, your exact duties can change from job to job.

What does a senior scientist do?

Senior Scientists play a crucial role in cross-functional teams by providing deep subject-matter expertise, designing experiments, and interpreting complex data to drive project outcomes. They often collaborate closely with research associates, project managers, and professionals from regulatory, quality, and manufacturing departments. Effective communication and the ability to translate scientific findings for non-technical stakeholders are essential aspects of their daily work. This collaborative environment allows Senior Scientists to influence project direction and mentor junior team members while advancing their own leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior scientist?

To thrive as a Senior Scientist, you need advanced expertise in your scientific field, a relevant Ph.D. or equivalent experience, and a strong track record of research accomplishments. Familiarity with laboratory management software, data analysis tools, and often regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you lead teams, collaborate across disciplines, and secure funding. These abilities are crucial for driving innovative research, ensuring rigorous scientific standards, and advancing organizational goals.

What is the difference between Senior Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically PhD in relevant field, extensive research experienceUsually Master's or PhD, early to mid-career research experience
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, mentors junior staff, collaborates across teamsConducts experiments, data analysis, supports research projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, R&D divisionsUniversities, research institutes, industry R&D

In summary, Senior Scientists generally have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and mentorship roles compared to Research Scientists, who focus more on conducting experiments and supporting research activities.

How much does a senior scientist earn?

A senior scientist's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on industry, location, experience, and education level. They often have advanced degrees and specialized skills in research, data analysis, or laboratory techniques, which can influence compensation.
More about Senior Scientist jobs

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The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

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For Senior Scientist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Scientist jobs in Virginia look for?

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Senior Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,596 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Senior Scientist

ATCC

Manassas, VA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Overview
Ready to shape the future of science and global health? A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is hiring a Senior Scientist supporting federal programs. This is an onsite role in Manassas, VA. The Senior Scientist initiates, executes, and directs scientific research, troubleshoots complex research activities, and applies scientific principles and research methods to solve challenging problems. Working across cross-functional teams, this role contributes to new product development, services, and informatics projects while serving as a scientific resource and mentor to colleagues.
Seeking a Senior Scientist with a background in life sciences research in advanced cell model, organoid, or organ-on-chip research environments, ideally in infectious disease research. New approach methodologies (NAMs) experience highly preferred. Join ATCC and be part of a team that supports the global scientific community with trusted, authenticated biological materials.
Responsibilities
  • Scientific Research & Discovery: Design and conduct experimental research and investigations to explore function, formation, and structure in support of scientific discovery and development. Initiate, direct, and execute scientific research and development strategies.
  • Laboratory Leadership & Problem Solving: Plan, execute, and oversee laboratory research activities. Determine methods and procedures for new assignments, troubleshoot technical issues, and identify corrective actions through data analysis and test method evaluation.
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation: Record, review, analyze, and interpret complex study data. Apply scientific expertise to evaluate findings and support research objectives.
  • Scientific Documentation & Communication: Develop and review protocols, reports, presentations, publications, manuscripts, and research summaries. Disseminate findings to internal and external audiences and contribute to publication or patent-related activities.
  • Process Development & Technology Transfer: Translate validated experimental protocols into quality-managed SOPs and support technology transfer of methods, processes, and products across business units.
  • Scientific Expertise & Mentorship: Provide scientific expertise for research and development initiatives, grants, and contract proposals. Mentor and train biologists and peers while helping maintain scientific integrity, quality standards, and awareness of relevant scientific advancements.

Qualifications
  • Minimum Requirement: PhD and 5 years of experience, or equivalent experience (Master's degree and 8 years, or Bachelor's degree and 12 years).
  • Experience with new approach methodologies (NAMs), microphysiological systems (MPS), organoids, organ-on-chip technologies, or related advanced cellular model platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to work on complex scientific problems requiring in-depth analysis, independent judgment, and application of broadly defined scientific practices and methodologies.
  • Experience designing, conducting, and directing experimental research and development activities.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex scientific data and troubleshoot technical and research-related challenges.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience preparing scientific documentation, reports, presentations, manuscripts, or publications.
  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and teamwork skills with the ability to mentor and support scientific staff.
  • Proven management skills and ability to work independently while maintaining scientific quality and integrity.
  • Preferred: Experience supporting infectious disease research programs and federal or government-funded research initiatives.
  • Preferred: Familiarity with workforce planning and budget preparation.

Benefits
The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for additional incentive compensation including regular merit increases and the corporate bonus program.
We Invest in You
  • Health & Wellness:
    • Comprehensive medical coverage and company paid Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, AD&D, and paid parental leave
    • Work life balance with Paid Holidays and PTO
    • Fitness and cell phone subsidies, and additional benefits such as legal services, pet insurance and additional supplemental coverage.
    • Employee Assistance Program offering around-the-clock counseling
  • Financial security:
    • 401(a) (6% employer contribution) and 403(b) (2% match) retirement plans
    • Exceptional career advancement opportunities, recognition, and rewards
    • Corporate bonus program
  • Mission Focused:
    • Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research
    • We give scientists the tools they need to make discoveries that improve and save lives
    • Contribute to community involvement and social responsibility

Join ATCC, where we fuel your success, well-being, and development. We're a mission-focused non-profit Equal Opportunity Employer, celebrating a century of supporting global public health. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Shape the future of science with us.

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