Senior Level Research Biologist Jobs
Senior level research biologist jobs put experienced scientists in charge of research program direction, experimental design decisions, and the cross-functional teams or lab groups that carry projects from hypothesis to publication or commercialization. Openings are concentrated across Consulting & Professional Services and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote positions posted by employers including Freenome, Kimley-Horn, and GEI Consultants hiring at this level now.
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We are seeking a driven Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental consulting. The ideal candidate will lead biological investigations, navigate regulatory frameworks, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring team members and delivering top-notch service to clients.
- Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration projects, and sensitive species surveys.
- Prepare and review biological reports (e.g., Biological Resource Assessments, Constraints Analysis, etc.) and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA standards.
- Provide strategic regulatory guidance and obtain necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CDFW, USACE).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated project delivery, including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
- Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and maintain timelines and budgets.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to training and development efforts within the Environmental team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term partnerships.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance work in California.
- Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA/NEPA and state/federal species protection laws.
- Proven experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience interfacing effectively with clients and agencies.
- Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability to guide and mentor junior team members.
- Familiarity with GIS mapping techniques/software.
- Certified Arborist or Restoration Ecologist credentials are a plus.
- Biologist certifications (e.g., Section 10(a) permits for listed species) are desirable.
- Experience working with habitat conservation plans, mitigation banks, and wildlife movement corridor studies.
$120,000 to $150,000
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a driven Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental consulting. The ideal candidate will lead biological investigations, navigate regulatory frameworks, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring team members and delivering top-notch service to clients.
- Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration projects, and sensitive species surveys.
- Prepare and review biological reports (e.g., Biological Resource Assessments, Constraints Analysis, etc.) and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA standards.
- Provide strategic regulatory guidance and obtain necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CDFW, USACE).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated project delivery, including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
- Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and maintain timelines and budgets.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to training and development efforts within the Environmental team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term partnerships.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance work in California.
- Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA/NEPA and state/federal species protection laws.
- Proven experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience interfacing effectively with clients and agencies.
- Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability to guide and mentor junior team members.
- Familiarity with GIS mapping techniques/software.
- Certified Arborist or Restoration Ecologist credentials are a plus.
- Biologist certifications (e.g., Section 10(a) permits for listed species) are desirable.
- Experience working with habitat conservation plans, mitigation banks, and wildlife movement corridor studies.
$120,000 to $150,000
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
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Senior Level Research Biologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level research biologist job?
Employers at this level look for candidates who have independently designed and executed multi-year research programs, not just contributed to them. A strong publication record, demonstrated grant-writing success, or a history of translating findings into tangible outcomes gives candidates the clearest edge. Highlight leadership of junior scientists or technicians, and show that your work has shaped the direction of a lab or research unit, not just supported it.
Which companies hire senior level research biologists?
Companies hiring senior level research biologists right now include Freenome, Kimley-Horn, and GEI Consultants, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from established pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, federal research agencies, and academic medical centers with active research programs.
Are there remote senior level research biologist jobs?
Yes, though remote availability depends heavily on the nature of the role. About 75% of senior level research biologist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with computational biology, bioinformatics-adjacent roles, and research management positions being the most likely to offer location flexibility compared to bench-based or wet-lab positions.
What makes a research biologist role senior level?
Senior level research biologist roles are defined by independent ownership of research programs, responsibility for experimental strategy, and accountability for outcomes rather than execution alone. These positions typically involve mentoring junior scientists, collaborating across departments or institutions, contributing to grant applications or funding strategy, and making decisions that shape the scientific direction of a lab, division, or project pipeline.
Which industries hire the most senior level research biologists?
Senior Level research biologist roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they sustain large-scale, long-horizon research programs that require experienced scientists who can lead from conception through regulatory or commercial application.