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Senior Scientist Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Nurse Scientist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$117K - $367K/yr

Responsibilities Mayo Clinic nurse scientists conduct clinically based research to improve the ... Mid- and senior career candidates without formal post-doctoral training will be considered on an ...

Mayo Clinic nurse scientists conduct clinically based research to improve the health and well-being ... Mid- and senior career candidates without formal post-doctoral training will be considered on an ...

Mayo Clinic nurse scientists conduct clinically based research to improve the health and well-being ... Mid- and senior career candidates without formal post-doctoral training will be considered on an ...

Mayo Clinic nurse scientists conduct clinically based research to improve the health and well-being ... Mid- and senior career candidates without formal post-doctoral training will be considered on an ...

Lead Wetland Scientist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Join a collaborative team focused on ecology and wetland sciences. Work includes wetland delineation, ecological assessments ...

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Senior Scientist information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$67.6K

$112.4K

$167.2K

How much do senior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist in Rochester, MN is $112,368.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $127,100.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN? For Senior Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Senior Scientist jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Senior Scientist job openings:
Nurse Scientist

Nurse Scientist

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

$117K - $367K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 687 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

Responsibilities

Mayo Clinic nurse scientists conduct clinically based research to improve the health and well-being of patients and their caregivers across the life span.  At Mayo Clinic, you will be part of an amazing team committed to solving the most serious and complex health care challenges - one patient at a time. Nurse scientists engage with Mayo Clinic physicians and scientists from a variety of disciplines as well as with those external to Mayo Clinic to generate knowledge in fields that span the continuum of care. Mayo Clinic nurse scientists focus on generating symptom science, self-management science, and caregiving science to improve the health and well-being of individuals with complex conditions. Mayo Clinic nurse scientists are expected to maintain a focused program of research supported by competitive extramural federal/foundation funding sources as well as competitive intramural funding with evidence of a robust publication record in leading peer-reviewed journals in the field.  

With an 83,000-person workforce, Mayo Clinic cares for more than 1.4 million people each year with serious or complex illnesses from all 50 U.S. states and 135 countries. Mayo Clinic is the largest not-for-profit, multidisciplinary academic medical center in the world with over 4,000 physicians and scientists in an integrated multi-campus system spanning the globe. The unified mission at Mayo Clinic is to provide the best patient care, backed by our expertise and supported by innovation in education, research and practice, to bring hope and healing in times of need. We embrace collegial relationships among campuses allowing for best practices and innovation to help solve the most serious complex medical challenges-one patient at a time. 

We support a vibrant and diverse research enterprise, with programs in basic, translational, clinical, population, and data sciences. In 2025, the institution received over $782 million in extramural research awards, supplemented with over $539 million of institutional support. Laboratories and shared resource facilities are state-of-the-art, including those for biomolecular analysis, molecular development, data analytics, specimen processing, and structural testing and imaging. Mayo Clinic supports innovation and has a wealth of resources available - including an integrated electronic health record and collaboration with top specialists.

Rochester, Minnesota, a dynamic city just 75 minutes south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, offers an unparalleled blend of professional opportunity and high quality of life. With ongoing investment through the Destination Medical Center initiative, Rochester continues to transform as a hub for healthcare, technology, and education, driven by visionary growth and innovation. 

Rochester is distinguished by its culture of caring, scenic beauty, and relaxing pace, with abundant dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Residents enjoy over 100 parks, miles of trails, and year-round cultural events, all within a safe, welcoming community. The city is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., recognized for its safety, excellent schools, and affordable housing. With a strong arts presence and diverse culinary scene, Rochester is an ideal place to live, work, and thrive.


Qualifications

Qualifications: 
Candidates must have a PhD, be licensed/eligible to be licensed as a registered nurse in Minnesota and have completed post-doctoral fellowship training if early career. Mid- and senior career candidates without formal post-doctoral training will be considered on an individual basis. Candidates must also have a track record of scholarly productivity with evidence of grant funding. 

Applications:
Applications should include a CV with Bibliography, Cover Letter, Statement of Research Interests, and contact information of three professional references.
 


Exemption Status
Exempt
Compensation Detail
The minimum starting salary for research specialties may range from $117,500 to $367,500. This range reflects full-time total base compensation prior to consideration of additional experience or duties. Pay for the selected candidate will vary based on specialty, experience, FTE, internal equity, or external market data.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full Time
Hours/Pay Period
80
Schedule Details
Full Time
International Assignment
No
Site Description
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the 'EOE is the Law'.  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Recruiter
Jennifer SchilbeQualifications:

Qualifications: 
Candidates must have a PhD, be licensed/eligible to be licensed as a registered nurse in Minnesota and have completed post-doctoral fellowship training if early career. Mid- and senior career candidates without formal post-doctoral training will be considered on an individual basis. Candidates must also have a track record of scholarly productivity with evidence of grant funding. 

Applications:
Applications should include a CV with Bibliography, Cover Letter, Statement of Research Interests, and contact information of three professional references.
 


What Mayo Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Mayo Clinic logo

About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919