Scientist Jobs in Tennessee

Scientist jobs in Tennessee are active across a range of sectors, including pharmaceutical research, agricultural science, environmental consulting, and federal defense and energy programs, with openings at every level from entry-level research assistants through senior principal scientists. The heaviest hiring concentrates in Nashville, Memphis, and Oak Ridge, where employers such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Pfizer maintain long-term scientific workforces. The most in-demand specialties include analytical chemistry, materials science, and life sciences research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles50
Top employerSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Top cityMemphis, TN
Cities hiring14
Work type62% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 50+ Scientist jobs

Data Scientist
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Added 3d ago
Data Scientist
FedEx
Memphis, Tennessee
Data Analytics
Data Science
Hybrid
10,000+

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Data Scientist II
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Added 3d ago
Data Scientist II
FedEx
Memphis, Tennessee
Data Analytics
Data Science
$6,168.9 - $11k.39/yr
Experience equivalent to degree accepted
10,000+

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Scientist 1
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Added 3d ago
Scientist 1
Pace Labs
Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Business Strategy
Compliance & Risk
Consulting & Professional Services
Bachelor's degree

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Med Lab Scientist I | University | PRN
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Added 3d ago
Med Lab Scientist I | University | PRN
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Memphis, Tennessee
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification
10,000+

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Senior Scientist OR Scientist-Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics (CIVIT)
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Added 3d ago
Senior Scientist OR Scientist-Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics (CIVIT)
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, Tennessee
Compliance & Legal
Compliance & Risk
Consulting & Professional Services
Human Resources
$86k - $186k/yr
Master's degree
5,001-10,000

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See All 50 Scientist Jobs in Tennessee

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Scientist Jobs by City in Tennessee

Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Nashville
10 jobs
Kingsport
2 jobs
Knoxville
2 jobs
Cookeville
2 jobs
Chattanooga
2 jobs
Mount Juliet
2 jobs
Jackson
1 job
Franklin
1 job

Scientist Job Market in Tennessee

A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital18
  • Tennessee State Government3
  • FedEx2
  • Tenet Healthcare2
  • Vanderbilt Health2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Technology & Software

What Tennessee Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across Tennessee.

  • Bachelor's degree in a natural science, chemistry, biology, or related field required
  • Graduate degree preferred for independent research or senior scientist positions
  • Laboratory safety training and experience with standard instrumentation such as HPLC or GC-MS
  • Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices or FDA regulatory compliance environments
  • Experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and documenting findings in technical reports
  • Strong written communication skills for presenting results to cross-functional teams

Scientist Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a scientist in Tennessee?

Most scientist roles in Tennessee require at minimum a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field, though research positions at institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory or Vanderbilt typically expect a graduate degree. Tennessee does not issue a general scientist license, but roles in environmental consulting may require registration as a Professional Geologist through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Which companies hire scientists in Tennessee?

Employers hiring scientists in Tennessee right now include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tennessee State Government, and FedEx, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's concentration of federal energy research facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and large academic medical centers means demand is consistent across the public and private sectors.

Which Tennessee cities have the most scientist jobs?

Memphis, Nashville, and Kingsport account for the most scientist openings in Tennessee. Nashville drives volume through its pharmaceutical, biotech, and health sciences industries, Memphis draws demand from agricultural research and logistics-adjacent environmental work, and Oak Ridge anchors a dense cluster of federal and contract research positions tied to the Department of Energy's national laboratory campus.

Are there remote scientist jobs in Tennessee?

Yes, but they're rare. Most scientist roles require hands-on laboratory or field work that cannot be done remotely. About 38% of scientist openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to be in data analysis, regulatory affairs, or scientific writing rather than bench or field research.

How can I get hired as a scientist in Tennessee with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is through undergraduate research programs or internships at Tennessee institutions such as the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, or Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which regularly bring on students and new graduates through cooperative education programs. Titles like laboratory technician, research associate, or field sampling technician are common entry points, and earning an EIT credential or completing OSHA laboratory safety training strengthens early applications.

Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Tennessee?

You can find and apply to scientist jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employer.

See All 50 Scientist Jobs in Tennessee

Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Scientist Jobs