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Senior Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (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

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 ...

Fladger Associates

Senior Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Excellent employment opportunity for a Senior Scientist in the Gaithersburg, MD area. * The Late-Stage Formulation Sciences Group is responsible for development of intended commercial formulations to ...

ECS

Senior Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Everforth ECS is a federal segment of a global organization specializing in advanced technology solutions, and they are seeking a Senior Scientist to provide onsite support to DARPA's Microsystems ...

Fladger Associates

Senior Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Excellent employment opportunity for a Senior Scientist in the Gaithersburg, MD area. * Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated and broadly skilled bench Scientist with scientific and technical ...

ATCC

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA

$120K - $140K/yr

ATCC, a global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, is seeking a Senior Scientist, Bacteriology to provide scientific leadership for applied bacteriology ...

ATCC

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Overview Ready to shape the future of science and global health? ATCC, a global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, is seeking a Senior Scientist ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$94K - $128K/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 ...

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 ...

CACI International, Inc.

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 with Polygraph Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Senior Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD

$116K/yr

D. in Life Sciences, Engineering or related field preferred. o Additional postdoctoral or industrial experience preferred. o Master's degree may be considered with additional years of independent and ...

MSD

Senior Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$116K/yr

D. in Life Sciences, Engineering or related field preferred. o Additional postdoctoral or industrial experience preferred. o Master's degree may be considered with additional years of independent and ...

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 ...

Osv_edf

Senior Scientist, Oceans Science

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$103K - $141K/yr

... Senior Scientist position with proven topical expertise to develop and oversee EDF's new Phytoplankton Carbon Solutions (PCS) Research Initiative. PCS are a set of marine carbon dioxide removal ...

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All JobsScientist JobsSenior Scientist JobsSenior Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$69.2K

$115K

$171.1K

How much do senior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist in Reston, VA is $115,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a senior scientist in the US?

The average salary for a senior scientist in the US typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Senior scientists often have advanced degrees and specialized skills, which can influence compensation levels.

What are Senior Scientists?

Senior Scientists are experienced professionals who lead scientific research projects and teams within organizations such as universities, research institutes, or private companies. They design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results to advance knowledge in their field. Senior Scientists also mentor junior staff, secure research funding, and often publish findings in scientific journals. They typically have advanced degrees (such as a PhD) and years of experience in their area of expertise.

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.

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 is the highest paid scientist job?

The highest paid scientist roles are often in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, pharmaceutical research, or data science, with senior positions like Chief Scientific Officer or Director of R&D typically earning the highest salaries. These roles usually require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and compensation can reach into seven figures in some industries and companies.

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

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 does a senior scientist do?

A senior scientist conducts advanced research and experiments within their field, often leading projects and analyzing data to develop new knowledge or products. They typically have specialized expertise, use scientific tools and methodologies, and may oversee junior staff or collaborate with cross-functional teams.

How does a Senior Scientist typically contribute to cross-functional project teams?

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.

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 hold advanced degrees and may work in research, development, or laboratory environments, with salaries increasing with specialized skills and certifications.
More about Senior Scientist jobs
What are popular job titles related to Senior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? For Senior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Scientist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Scientist job openings:
Senior Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $115,006 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Senior Scientist

ATCC

Manassas, VA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 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. 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 Experience Required:
  • PhD in Scientific Discipline or Engineering Equivalent and 5 or more years' experience or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with 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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