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Senior Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Arenatechnologies

Sr. Scientist SME - Photonics

Arlington, VA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

We have a near-term need for a Sr. Scientist SME-Photonics to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA. Responsibilities We are seeking senior technical personnel to provide support for the ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$65 - $180/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 ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$65 - $180/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 ...

2 Circle, Inc.

Senior Scientist / Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

The Senior Scientist / Engineer will support the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). Work on-site in Arlington, VA is required. Essential Job Functions

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$65 - $180/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 ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$65 - $180/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 ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65 - $180/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 ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Arlington, VA

$65 - $180/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 ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$65 - $180/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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 11, 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 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

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

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The top searched job categories for Senior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Scientist jobs?

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Senior Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,006 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Bioproduction and Bioprocessing

Rockville, MD • On-site

Join Our Team
See more jobs at Join Our Teamexternal

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Senior Scientist, Bioproduction & Bioprocessing is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and execution of mammalian cell-based protein production workflows to support organizational research, development, and manufacturing needs. This role provides subject-matter expertise in cell line development, transient expression, and upstream bioprocessing, and ensures high-quality delivery of materials through collaboration with cross-functional teams. The Senior Scientist contributes to scientific innovation, process improvement, and customer support activities.

  • Lead and execute workflows for stable pool and stable cell line generation, including transfection, clone screening, productivity assessment, and documentation.
  • Perform stable pool and transient experiments using CHOZN, CHOK1-sv, CHOK, HEK293, and other protein production-relevant cell lines.
  • Develop, optimize, and scale transient protein expression processes for antibodies and recombinant proteins.
  • Conduct upstream protein expression studies, including small-scale evaluations and preparation for scale-up.
  • Design, perform, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments in accordance with established protocols, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
  • Analyze experimental data, prepare technical summaries, and present results to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with downstream purification, analytical development, and project management teams to ensure alignment and timely delivery of materials.
  • Provide scientific support to customer-facing teams, including remote and onsite troubleshooting with Field Application Scientists.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance bioproduction workflows, including media/feed optimization, vector improvements, and process parameter refinement.
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies, automation tools, and high-throughput approaches to increase efficiency and scalability.
  • Lead exploratory studies to assess emerging bioprocessing methods and integrate validated improvements into standard workflows.
  • Contribute to internal innovation initiatives, including development of new production strategies, platform enhancements, and scientific capability expansion.
  • Provide technical insight to support long-term bioproduction strategy and organizational growth.
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant laboratory records.
  • Ensure adherence to organizational, regulatory, and safety standards.
Requirements:
  • PhD in biological sciences or related field with 10+ years of relevant industry experience (or Master’s degree with 13+ years of experience) in bioproduction, bioprocessing, or cell line development
  • Demonstrated expertise in stable cell line development and clone selection.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with transient expression of antibodies or recombinant proteins.
  • Strong foundation in mammalian cell culture and upstream protein expression.
  • Experience with high-throughput screening, automation, or advanced analytical tools.
  • Background in cell engineering, vector design, media/feed optimization, or bioprocess development.
  • Prior experience in structured, milestone-driven industry or core laboratory environments.
  • Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal team members and customers
  • Ability to travel up to 20%


MaxCyte offers a base salary, annual bonus, and equity. MaxCyte also offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and generous time off.


MaxCyte is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status

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