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Senior Scientist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Conyers, GA · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university. Experience: * 5+ years of food research and development experience ...

Senior Scientist

Conyers, GA

$79K - $108K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university. Experience: * 5+ years of food research and development experience ...

Senior Scientist

Conyers, GA · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university. Experience: * 5+ years of food research and development experience ...

New

Senior Scientist R&D

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Senior Scientist, Molecular Assay Development in R&D Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry? Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it ...

Senior Decision Scientist

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$88K - $120K/yr

Delta Air Lines, Inc. has multiple openings for Senior Decision Scientists in Atlanta, GA. Key Responsibilities * Develop optimization models and algorithms that enhance operational efficiency.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced formulation scientist who thrives at the ... senior business leaders Why Join Arxada? * Lead the development of next-generation technologies ...

Senior Scientific Specialist

Conley, GA · On-site

$110K - $148K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced formulation scientist who thrives at the ... senior business leaders Why Join Arxada? * Lead the development of next-generation technologies ...

Primary Function of Position We are looking for a senior-level Data Scientist to lead complex data science and analytics initiatives supporting Global Operations. Minimizing supply chain risk and ...

Senior Audio AI Researcher

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you'll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones.

Sr. Data Scientist (100% remote) ARC Group is currently seeking a Sr. Data Scientist to join a global leader in shipping and enterprise logistics services. The Data Scientist will be an integral part ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Scientist information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$64.9K

$107.9K

$160.6K

How much do senior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist in Decatur, GA is $107,928.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $122,000.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Scientist jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Scientist jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Senior Scientist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Senior Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Scientist job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,928 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Golden State Foods rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description
ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS
Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.
The role will adhere to best-in-class methods and practices associated with new product development and scale up to drive process effectiveness and product quality. Additionally, the role will help identify development opportunities and work collectively with the R&D Managers to develop the team's technical acumen (including mentoring and coaching). The role will also assist in formulating and administering the division's short- and long-range goals and objectives for business growth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Works in concert with Sales/Culinary/Customer to facilitate the development of new products or the duplication of target products to meet customer needs and to ensure compliance with established quality standards.
  • Effectively leads new projects from the team's initiation through commercialization. This work could include creating and maintaining timelines, managing stakeholders, formulating, scale-up, finished product testing, and specification validation. Provides technical support to manufacturing sites for product batching and processing.
  • Responsible for development of processing procedures for new products and revisions to existing products as needed. Provides on-site and off-site support of scale-ups tests, first productions and quality assurance practices of the developed product through the commercialization process and identify areas for improvement to facilitate department operations. Can include Customers on-site support of productions.
  • Communicates outside business customer's requirements to various departments within GSF, such as PD, QA, and Manufacturing. Also, meets with customers to understand and verify their expectations, as needed. Acts as technical expert (SME) and liaison between customer and internal cross-functional groups
  • Supports the Assured Supply program in vetting new/alternative materials and suppliers for raw materials in compliance with established quality assurance standards.
  • Independently works to provide bench, lab, and Pilot Plant related work activities to support product/process improvements, continuity of supply, and cost improvements.
  • Maintains laboratory, including upkeep of equipment, stocking of supplies and general cleaning of work areas.
  • Develops specifications for new products based on theoretical and analytical testing that yield sustained results.
  • Coordinates the presentation of new concepts and plays an integral role with the Sales team in executing the Customer Formula Selection Process. This includes presenting samples to the appropriate stakeholders for evaluation and following up with the appropriate GSF associates.
  • Responsible for developing sensory profile for new products. Assists with preparation for and execution of difference and preference tests (9-point scale, triangle test, duo-trio test, JAR scale, etc.).
  • Identifies development opportunities and works collectively with the PD. Managers to develop the team's technical acumen (including mentoring and coaching). Provides timely technical advice and oversight to junior PD members.
  • Studies methods to improve quality of food such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value and convenience in support of strategic objectives.
  • Supports the development of processes and tools with the help of PD Managers based on a Continuous Improvement mindset. Among many things, this aspect could include the development of Standard Operating Practices (SOPs), utilizing Lean and Six Sigma principles, and training others.
  • Supports the development and execution of technical strategy. Advises Managers on technical barriers and opportunities. Provides ideas on potential solutions.
  • Supports training for new technologists, demonstrating lab safety, procedures and techniques.
  • Performs other related and assigned duties, as necessary.
  • Up to 25% travel

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to
Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university.

Experience:
  • 5+ years of food research and development experience, with an understanding of food chemistry, food safety, and related regulations.
  • Functional culinary knowledge. Must be able to ideate alongside and interpret culinary driven concepts.
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and experience in interacting with customers.
  • Must have experience in project management and be able to collaborate with project teams and support groups.
  • Extensive knowledge base in one or more of the following areas preferred: hydrocolloids, emulsions, salad dressings, dipping sauces, tomato paste based products, syrups, liquid product processing methods, and/or related technologies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):
  • Food testing concepts and techniques (E)
  • Food microbiology (J)
  • Sensory analysis (J)
  • Benchtop procedures (E)
  • Lab equipment operation and maintenance (J)
  • Raw materials/product interaction (J)
  • Food safety concepts and techniques (E)
  • Food regulations (J)
  • Culinary acumen (J)
  • Food processing equipment and techniques (J)
  • Quality assurance concepts and techniques (J)
  • Technical problem solving (E)
  • Experimental design (J)
  • Pilot plant equipment (E)
  • Pilot paperwork (J)
  • Safety (E)

Skill and ability to:
  • Strong Scientific and statistical skills
  • Expert problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in designing, planning, and executing successful design of experiments (DOE)
  • Effectively utilizes the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
  • Ability to learn other key PC software, including systems housing technical specifications, ERP reporting, communication/file sharing programs (such as Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, etc....). and shared project management tools.
  • Translate culinary direction into feasible formula and process: Should have a broad understanding/familiarity with the culinary function coupled with the ability to transform information from that function into an operationally feasible formula and technical process.
  • Experience in method development to measure critical quality properties to achieve sustainable results.
  • Act in accordance with GSF's Values and Creed

WHY JOIN US
Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.
Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:
  • People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
  • Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
  • People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
  • Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
  • Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our company values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where every person is supported and empowered to thrive.

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