Project Scientist Jobs
Project Scientist jobs are open across academia, government research, biotech, and environmental consulting, from early-career to senior staff and research lead levels, with specializations in computational modeling, field ecology, and materials science. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 156+ Project Scientist jobs
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Your Role:
Global Regulatory Project Lead
As the Global Regulatory Project Lead, you will be a key individual contributor at the forefront of our innovation pipeline, guiding the regulatory strategy for novel farm and companion animal products. You will serve as the dedicated regulatory expert on global project teams, shaping development from the ground up and leading direct negotiations with agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This role requires a strategic professional who can navigate complex agency interactions, influence cross-functional partners (including Global Research and Development (R&D), Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Quality, Finance, and Technical Services), and ensure our submissions in the United States (US), European Union (EU), and other first-wave countries are successful.
Your Responsibilities:
- Guide the design and development of the global regulatory strategy for development projects, with a primary focus on CVM/FDA submissions.
- Serve as the dedicated regulatory subject matter expert on development teams, representing the regulatory viewpoint and providing risk/benefit evaluations to guide project strategy.
- Act as the primary point of contact for and lead direct engagements with regulatory agencies (e.g., CVM, European Medicines Agency (EMA)), including pre-submission meetings and negotiations.
- Partner with R&D to develop and implement clinical trial submission plans, ensuring alignment with the overall regulatory strategy.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide technical leadership on Quality, Safety, and Efficacy sections for regulatory submissions.
- Proactively identify and communicate project-specific regulatory risks and opportunities to the development team and leadership.
- Comply with all company local and global policies including quality frameworks, Code of Conduct, anti-discrimination, harassment, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: A Master’s degree or higher in veterinary medicine, biology, infectious diseases, immunology, animal science, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in the animal health industry, with direct regulatory affairs experience in veterinary pharmaceuticals.
- Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated experience leading direct submissions and negotiations with regulatory agencies, with a strong preference for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).
- Guidance & Influence: Proven ability to serve as the primary regulatory expert on cross-functional project teams in a global environment, with exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Direct regulatory experience with both farm animal and companion animal products.
- Broad experience with global registration processes, particularly leading first-wave submissions in the European Union and other key markets simultaneously.
- Experience navigating novel regulatory pathways for innovative products.
- A strong understanding of risk assessment and risk management fundamentals.
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean).
Additional Information:
- Travel: 10-25%
- Location: This is a US-based role. It can be based at our Global Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid), or be a remote position for the right candidate.
#LI-SC1
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco currently anticipates that the base salary for this position could range from $118,000 to $197,000 depending partly on the successful candidate's qualifications, including education and experience. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending partly on company and individual performance). Additionally, Elanco offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees that includes a company-matching 401(k); vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Of course, the compensation is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described above. Elanco reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion, and Elanco's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Elanco employees. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled.
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Your Role:
Global Regulatory Project Lead
As the Global Regulatory Project Lead, you will be a key individual contributor at the forefront of our innovation pipeline, guiding the regulatory strategy for novel farm and companion animal products. You will serve as the dedicated regulatory expert on global project teams, shaping development from the ground up and leading direct negotiations with agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This role requires a strategic professional who can navigate complex agency interactions, influence cross-functional partners (including Global Research and Development (R&D), Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Quality, Finance, and Technical Services), and ensure our submissions in the United States (US), European Union (EU), and other first-wave countries are successful.
Your Responsibilities:
- Guide the design and development of the global regulatory strategy for development projects, with a primary focus on CVM/FDA submissions.
- Serve as the dedicated regulatory subject matter expert on development teams, representing the regulatory viewpoint and providing risk/benefit evaluations to guide project strategy.
- Act as the primary point of contact for and lead direct engagements with regulatory agencies (e.g., CVM, European Medicines Agency (EMA)), including pre-submission meetings and negotiations.
- Partner with R&D to develop and implement clinical trial submission plans, ensuring alignment with the overall regulatory strategy.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide technical leadership on Quality, Safety, and Efficacy sections for regulatory submissions.
- Proactively identify and communicate project-specific regulatory risks and opportunities to the development team and leadership.
- Comply with all company local and global policies including quality frameworks, Code of Conduct, anti-discrimination, harassment, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: A Master’s degree or higher in veterinary medicine, biology, infectious diseases, immunology, animal science, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in the animal health industry, with direct regulatory affairs experience in veterinary pharmaceuticals.
- Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated experience leading direct submissions and negotiations with regulatory agencies, with a strong preference for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).
- Guidance & Influence: Proven ability to serve as the primary regulatory expert on cross-functional project teams in a global environment, with exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Direct regulatory experience with both farm animal and companion animal products.
- Broad experience with global registration processes, particularly leading first-wave submissions in the European Union and other key markets simultaneously.
- Experience navigating novel regulatory pathways for innovative products.
- A strong understanding of risk assessment and risk management fundamentals.
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean).
Additional Information:
- Travel: 10-25%
- Location: This is a US-based role. It can be based at our Global Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid), or be a remote position for the right candidate.
#LI-SC1
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco currently anticipates that the base salary for this position could range from $118,000 to $197,000 depending partly on the successful candidate's qualifications, including education and experience. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending partly on company and individual performance). Additionally, Elanco offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees that includes a company-matching 401(k); vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Of course, the compensation is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described above. Elanco reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion, and Elanco's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Elanco employees. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled.
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
See All 156+ Project Scientist Jobs
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Find Project Scientist JobsProject Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Langan Engineering and Environmental Services22
- University of California Los Angeles18
- UC San Diego13
- UC Davis10
- Apex Companies5
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services17
- Education2
- Science & Research1
- Technology & Software1
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project scientist jobs.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication in a relevant research area
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, or discipline-specific software
- Experience designing and executing independent research projects from hypothesis to manuscript
- Familiarity with grant writing, budget management, or sponsored research compliance
- Ability to mentor graduate students, research assistants, or junior technical staff
Tips for Your Project Scientist Job Search
Tailor your CV to research outputs
Project scientist roles weigh publications, grants, and datasets heavily. List your first-author and co-authored work by journal, include any funded grants by agency and amount, and name the datasets or repositories you've contributed to.
Distinguish yourself from postdocs clearly
Many hiring committees conflate project scientist positions with postdoctoral roles. Your resume should explicitly frame you as an independent contributor who leads experiments, not someone completing mentored training, so reviewers slot you into the right pipeline immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists project scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Read the SOW before your interview
Project scientist postings at national labs and research universities often attach a statement of work or scope document. Reviewing it before your interview lets you speak directly to the methods, instrumentation, and deliverables the team is already committed to.
Prepare a five-minute research talk
Most project scientist interview panels expect a short research presentation, not just a Q and A. Practice a tight five-minute version of your core work that covers the problem, your method, your findings, and one open question you would pursue next.
Negotiate start date and lab resource access
Salary bands at research institutions are often fixed by pay grade, but start date flexibility and access to equipment, lab space, or computing allocations are negotiable. Raise these in the offer stage, not after you accept.
Project Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most project scientists?
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, University of California Los Angeles, and UC San Diego are hiring the most project scientists right now, with openings concentrated in California, New York, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. National laboratories, research universities, and environmental consulting firms account for a significant share of active postings.
How many project scientist jobs are remote?
About 46% of project scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote arrangements most common in computational, bioinformatics, and data-heavy research subfields where wet lab or fieldwork is not required. Roles involving instrumentation, specimen collection, or on-site collaboration are almost always in-person.
How do you become a project scientist?
Most project scientist positions require a PhD in a relevant field, followed by postdoctoral or staff scientist experience where you build an independent publication record. From there, you apply to project scientist openings that align with your research specialty, present your work during the interview process, and demonstrate you can lead a research program without direct faculty oversight.
Can you get a project scientist job with little experience?
Entry-level project scientist roles do exist, particularly at government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and industry research groups, and they often accept candidates who hold a master's degree plus relevant lab or field experience in lieu of a full postdoctoral record. Highlighting any independent research contributions, technical certifications, and discipline-specific software skills helps your application compete against candidates with longer CVs.
What does the project scientist interview process look like?
The process typically begins with a phone or video screen with HR or a hiring manager, followed by a technical interview with the research team where you discuss your methods and findings in depth. Most panels then ask for a research seminar or presentation, and finalists often meet separately with department leadership before an offer is extended. The full process commonly runs three to six weeks from initial contact.
Where can I find and apply to project scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to project scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your research background and apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 156+ Project Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Scientist Jobs