How to hire a lead scientist

How to hire a lead scientist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step lead scientist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a lead scientist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new lead scientist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a lead scientist do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your lead scientist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a lead scientist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a lead scientist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a lead scientist that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of lead scientist salaries for various roles:

   Type of Lead Scientist	Description	Hourly rate
   Lead Scientist	Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.	$37-73
   Research Fellow	A research fellow is an academic researcher who conducts research and analysis of comprehensive literature, data, and results and provides literature reviews. He/She supervises research assistants and recruits study participants to interview them for a particular study... Show more	$18-34
   Quality Control Analyst	Quality assurance representatives are professionals who are responsible for ensuring the quality of units produced or manufactured is following the standards set by the industry. These representatives supervise the entire production process to identify erroneous methods or tools being used by workers and observing produced for visible defects... Show more	$19-41

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • C++
   • Java
   • Data Analysis
   • GMP
   • Method Development
   • Extraction
   • Analytical Methods
   • Clinical Trials
   • Test Methods
   • HPLC
   • R
   • Cell-Based Assays
   • Technical Reports
   • Laboratory Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage cell culture facility transition to GLP compliance.
   • Develop reagents for ELISA methods and manage regulatory aspects of vaccine potency assays with the USDA/EMEA.
   • Manage pediatric dose development project, technology transfer project and alternate API supplier qualification project on budget and on schedule
   • Engage in ELISA base in vitro vaccine potency assay development.
   • Develop new HPLC methodologies for new and existing products as per USP.
   • Serve a key role in the compliance of quality and FDA regulations.

   More lead scientist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your lead scientist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A lead scientist salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, lead scientists' average salary in iowa is 53% less than in tennessee.
   • Seniority. Entry-level lead scientists earn 49% less than senior-level lead scientists.
   • Certifications. A lead scientist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a lead scientist's salary.

   Average lead scientist salary

   $110,028yearly

   $52.90 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level lead scientist salary

   $78,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 22, 2025

   Average lead scientist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$146,513	$70
   2	Tennessee	$137,850	$66
   3	Arizona	$117,446	$56
   4	Minnesota	$110,002	$53
   5	Massachusetts	$108,798	$52
   6	District of Columbia	$104,988	$50
   7	New York	$104,261	$50
   8	Illinois	$101,006	$49
   9	Pennsylvania	$94,688	$46
   10	Wisconsin	$92,702	$45
   11	Virginia	$92,324	$44
   12	Colorado	$92,026	$44
   13	Michigan	$91,786	$44
   14	Texas	$89,672	$43
   15	New Mexico	$88,291	$42
   16	North Carolina	$87,932	$42
   17	Washington	$84,154	$40
   18	Florida	$81,603	$39
   19	Kansas	$80,896	$39
   20	Louisiana	$78,123	$38

   Average lead scientist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	PayPal	$163,399	$78.56	12
   2	Amazon	$151,975	$73.06	761
   3	Chevron	$144,269	$69.36
   4	Exelixis	$128,482	$61.77	10
   5	CyberCoders	$127,927	$61.50	2
   6	Target	$126,632	$60.88	5
   7	Best Buy	$123,615	$59.43	2
   8	Envision	$123,265	$59.26
   9	FICO	$122,923	$59.10	5
   10	Complete Genomics	$120,507	$57.94
   11	General Electric	$120,503	$57.93	14
   12	Systems & Technology Research	$120,430	$57.90
   13	STR Holdings	$119,764	$57.58	4
   14	NatureWorks	$118,259	$56.86
   15	Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$116,419	$55.97	19
   16	Novozymes	$116,383	$55.95	2
   17	Visa	$115,934	$55.74	19
   18	Amgen	$114,715	$55.15	45
   19	Bristol-Myers Squibb	$114,021	$54.82	74
   20	Kinsley Power Systems	$113,478	$54.56

4. Writing a lead scientist job description

   A lead scientist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a lead scientist job description:

   Lead scientist job description example

   About Us
   
   Mission Barns is where some of the world's smartest, most passionate people are pioneering the future of food. We are scaling up and optimizing our process to provide sustainable, safe, and humane meat products to the world.
   
   We are a venture-backed startup with decades of experience in cell biology, tissue engineering, media development, food science, bioreactor design, and more. We're united by our collective drive to solve difficult problems, ask tough questions, and apply cutting-edge science and engineering. At Mission Barns, you'll have the freedom to dream big and do the best work of your life.
   
   As the Lead Scientist of Cell Culture Media Development at Mission Barns, you will be building and coordinating a team of scientists and research associates to formulate and optimize our proprietary, animal-component-free cell culture media compositions to support the proliferation and differentiation of unique cell populations. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and expertise of cell culture media preparation, optimization methodologies, and compositional analysis, as well as team management skills. This role will be required to independently lead and deliver individual projects and manage direct reports' goals and schedule. You and your team will collaborate with colleagues across many functions within the company (Adipose Biology, Process Development, Biomaterials, etc.) to advance our mission. Title and responsibilities will be commensurate with experience.
   PositionFull-time, exempt San Francisco, CA - 100% OnsiteFull time employees enjoy medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible holiday and vacation time, stock options, 401k, and ample opportunity for career advancement as the company grows
   ResponsibilitiesEstablishing and executing workflows to develop and optimize a variety of animal-component-free media to support all cell culture processes including proliferation and differentiation Applying chemical analysis techniques to evaluate fresh, spent, and in-process media formulations Implementing bioassays to analyze media and collect impactful metabolic data from our cell culture systems Identifying novel directions to expand media research and development Building and managing the cell culture media development team Aligning with senior leadership to implement critical decisions Providing expertise in media development and media optimization to other teams Conducting rigorous experimental design, documentation, and data analysis Concise and effective reporting and presentation of data Providing creative solutions and demonstrating critical thinking Leading and collaborating with team members to support all upstream and downstream process work
   About YouPh.D in Biological Sciences/Engineering or 7+ years of Biological industry experience is required. Advanced degree and 5+ years of industrial cell culture media development experience is preferred.Passionate about leveraging cell culture media expertise to advance our mission and state-of-the-art technology Deep knowledge in cell culture media composition, preparation, analysis, and cell-media interactions Experience in managing a team is strongly preferred Strong track record of peer-reviewed papers is preferred Scientific rigor towards continuous improvement Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced startup environment Eager to learn, grow, and contribute Excellent communication skills and presentation skills Attitudinally constructive and positive
   Full Time Exempt employees enjoy 99% coverage for medical, dental and vision benefits, pre-tax benefits, a 401K, flexible holiday and vacation time, stock options, a dog and pig friendly office, a brand new state of the art office close to 101, I-80, walking distance to public transit (BART, MUNI, SamTrans), an unlimited supply of snacks, flavored waters, coffee, tea and ample career advancement as the company grows.
   
   Mission Barns is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.
   
   Full Time employees enjoy 99% coverage for medical, dental and vision benefits, pre-tax benefits, a 401K, stock options, a dog and pig friendly office, a brand new state of the art office close to 101, I-80, walking distance to public transit (BART, MUNI, SamTrans), an unlimited supply of snacks, flavored waters, coffee, tea and ample career advancement as the company grows.
   
   Mission Barns is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right lead scientist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your lead scientist job on Zippia to find and recruit lead scientist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit lead scientists, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new lead scientist

   Once you've selected the best lead scientist candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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