Research Scientist Jobs
Research Scientist jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, biotech, technology, academia, and government research agencies, from entry-level associate to principal and senior scientist, with specializations in computational biology, machine learning research, and materials science. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Staff Scientist for a collaborative project between the Levental, Bao, Kenworthy, and Kiessling/Tamm groups.
The Staff Scientist will investigate the hypothesis that proteins recruit specific paralipidomes by purifying membrane proteins from mammalian expression systems and facilitating mass spec based lipidomic analysis. Primary responsibilities will include establishing and maintaining mammalian expression systems for large-scale membrane protein production, membrane protein isolation in sufficient yields for lipidomics, data analysis and interpretation, as well as manuscript preparation. It is expected that these tasks will require significant methods development, as various aspects of the project are being newly established. Another key aspect of the role is interfacing across four labs.
Staff Scientists provide technical lab support by performing complex lab and research related tasks. They act as specialists on research methods and equipment functions specific to research projects. They have the authority to adapt methods and procedures to meet the needs of research. They are distinguished from Lab Technicians by the types and duration of assignments, as well as the skills and expertise necessary to serve as resources on non-routine problems. Staff Scientists perform daily activities without supervision; their longer-term assignments require greater oversight.
Specialize in protein expression, isolation, biophysical characterization, and lipidomics data analysis. Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions.
Assist in evaluation of research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives.
Provide basic assistance to researchers in manipulating, computing, and analyzing data. Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses. Research, compile, and maintain complex statistical, numerical, and computerized reports.
Perform library and literature research.
Assist in training other staff members on procedures. Explain work and adapt general methods and procedures to meet research needs.
In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry/biophysics required.
Experience: 4+ year of relevant lab experience required, including protein biochemistry and lipid biophysics.
Licensure: None.
TO APPLY:
Applicants apply HERE. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Include the following documents:
CV/resume
Cover letter
All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a background check per university policy. This position is restricted and contingent upon the continuation of funding. This position will remain open until filled.
For further information about the position, please contact Jon Stafford via email at js8sj@virginia.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact Eric Allen, Academic Recruiter, at uth9qh@virginia.edu
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.
Experience: None
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
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Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- TikTok52

- ByteDance47

- Google46

- Meta38

- NVIDIA23

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software115
- Science & Research55
- Education41
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals39
- Electronics & Hardware22
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs.
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, or computer science
- Hands-on experience designing and executing independent research experiments
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as R, Python, or MATLAB
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
- Experience with specific laboratory techniques such as CRISPR, mass spectrometry, or next-generation sequencing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to cross-functional teams
Tips for Your Research Scientist Job Search
Tailor your resume to publication impact
List publications with citation counts or journal impact factors rather than just titles. Hiring committees and research leads use these signals to gauge the real-world weight of your work, so a bare list of paper titles leaves your strongest credential undersold.
Match your methods section to the job description
Most research scientist postings name specific techniques, instruments, or computational tools. Mirror the exact terminology from the posting in your resume and cover letter. Automated screening tools filter on those phrases before a human ever reads your application.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists research scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Build a targeted project portfolio page
A one-page personal site or GitHub repository summarizing two or three key research projects gives interviewers a concrete artifact to discuss before the technical screen. Include methodology, tools, and outcome, not just the abstract.
Prepare a chalk-talk style presentation
Many research scientist interviews include a research presentation to a mixed audience of scientists and non-scientists. Practice explaining your work without jargon for five minutes and then defending methodology under detailed technical questioning from specialists.
Negotiate start date around grant or publication cycles
Research teams often time hiring to grant award dates or fiscal-year budget releases. If an offer comes in lower than expected, ask whether the start date flexibility or a sign-on tied to a grant milestone is on the table before countering base salary alone.
Research Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most research scientists?
The companies hiring the most research scientists right now include TikTok, ByteDance, and Google, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand is consistently strong in pharmaceutical development, technology research labs, and federally funded research institutions.
How many research scientist jobs are remote?
About 40% of research scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though availability varies significantly by specialization. Computational research roles in machine learning, bioinformatics, and data science tend to offer the highest share of remote-eligible positions, while wet-lab and instrumentation-dependent roles are almost always on-site.
How do you become a research scientist?
Most research scientist roles require completing a Ph.D. in a relevant field, which involves original dissertation research and several peer-reviewed publications. After your doctorate, a postdoctoral fellowship strengthens your independent research credentials and publication record. From there, you apply to industry, government, or academic positions and typically interview with a research presentation alongside technical and behavioral rounds.
Can you get hired as a research scientist without much experience?
Entry-level research scientist roles do exist, particularly at larger pharmaceutical companies and technology firms that hire recent Ph.D. graduates directly into associate or junior scientist positions. The key is framing dissertation and postdoctoral work as independent project leadership rather than graduate training. Applying to rotational research programs and contract research organizations is also a practical path into the field early in your career.
What does the research scientist interview process look like?
The process typically begins with a recruiter or hiring-manager screen focused on your research background and role fit. A technical interview follows, covering methodology, experimental design, and domain knowledge. Most employers then ask for a formal research presentation to the team, sometimes called a job talk or chalk talk. A final round with senior stakeholders or cross-functional partners usually precedes the offer.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialization, seniority level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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