1. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-State Tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
What is a Research Scientist Lead?
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a research scientist lead. For example, did you know that they make an average of $49.38 an hour? That's $102,713 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 8% and produce 10,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
What Does a Research Scientist Lead Do
When it comes to the most important skills required to be a research scientist lead, we found that a lot of resumes listed 18.3% of research scientist leads included research projects, while 8.2% of resumes included r, and 8.1% of resumes included artificial intelligence. Hard skills like these are helpful to have when it comes to performing essential job responsibilities.
How To Become a Research Scientist Lead
If you're interested in becoming a research scientist lead, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 54.7% of research scientist leads have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 12.8% of research scientist leads have master's degrees. Even though most research scientist leads have a college degree, it's impossible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Research Scientist Lead Career Paths
In addition to switching up your job search, it might prove helpful to look at a career path for your specific job. Now, what's a career path you ask? Well, it's practically a map that shows how you might advance from one job title to another. Our career paths are especially detailed with salary changes. So, for example, if you started out with the role of project leader you might progress to a role such as project manager eventually. Later on in your career, you could end up with the title engineering director.
Average Salary for a Research Scientist Lead
Research Scientist Leads in America make an average salary of $102,713 per year or $49 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $155,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $68,000 per year.
Average Research Scientist Lead Salary
$102,713 Yearly$49.38 hourly
What Am I Worth?
Roles and Types of Research Scientist Lead
The role of a research scientist lead includes a wide range of responsibilities. These responsibilities can vary based on an individual's specific job, company, or industry.Here are some general research scientist lead responsibilities:
- Development of the manufacturing processes and control strategies for drug substance
- Conducts and provides technical guidance on scientific method development
- Lead the development and implementation of machine learning models
There are several types of research scientist lead, including:
Scientist
Role:
Science plays an important role in all our lives. It creates new knowledge, improves education, and increases the quality of our lives. If you like the idea of exploring the world around you and making new discoveries, then you should consider becoming a scientist. If you decide to become a scientist, you could end up working in either the public or private sector. Scientists work in a wide range of settings, including chemical and pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, universities, food and drink manufacturers, hospitals, and environmental agencies.
As part of their job, scientists plan and carry out experiments and then record and analyze the data. They typically specialize in a particular field, such as geoscience, meteorology, or pharmacology. It is crucial that scientists follow the scientific method as a means of ensuring their results are accurate.
Research scientists need a bachelor's degree in a closely related field for most positions. Usually, a master's degree or a PhD is preferred.
As part of their job, scientists plan and carry out experiments and then record and analyze the data. They typically specialize in a particular field, such as geoscience, meteorology, or pharmacology. It is crucial that scientists follow the scientific method as a means of ensuring their results are accurate.
Research scientists need a bachelor's degree in a closely related field for most positions. Usually, a master's degree or a PhD is preferred.
- Average Salary: $97,344
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Research Scientist
Role:
A research scientist is a professional who gathers information by performing both theoretical and experimental research in a specific scientific field. A research scientist can work in many different areas, such as medicine, natural science, computer science, and social science.
Research scientists collect data, interpret the results of experiments, and form hypotheses in an attempt to answer questions about the natural world or the man-made world, depending on their field. They can be found working in government agencies, as well as private companies.
Some research scientists also work at universities where they not only conduct experiments but also teach the student population about a particular branch of science. No matter who they work for, research scientists spend many of their working hours in laboratories, and other related facilities, to perform experiments and further study their field of science.
Common skills of a research scientist include strong analytical and research skills, critical thinking, and organizational and communications skills. They also usually have a number of hard skills, involving specific kinds of computer software, and devices used for experiments and data collection.
To become a research scientist, you must obtain at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field of science, such as biology, chemistry, or computer science. Many research scientists also have master's degrees in their specialized area of science, and those that teach tend to have PhDs in their field.
Research scientists collect data, interpret the results of experiments, and form hypotheses in an attempt to answer questions about the natural world or the man-made world, depending on their field. They can be found working in government agencies, as well as private companies.
Some research scientists also work at universities where they not only conduct experiments but also teach the student population about a particular branch of science. No matter who they work for, research scientists spend many of their working hours in laboratories, and other related facilities, to perform experiments and further study their field of science.
Common skills of a research scientist include strong analytical and research skills, critical thinking, and organizational and communications skills. They also usually have a number of hard skills, involving specific kinds of computer software, and devices used for experiments and data collection.
To become a research scientist, you must obtain at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field of science, such as biology, chemistry, or computer science. Many research scientists also have master's degrees in their specialized area of science, and those that teach tend to have PhDs in their field.
- Average Salary: $89,998
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Doctoral Fellow
Role:
Doctoral fellows, though studying, still research their area of study. They are usually contracted by universities. They do not only engage in research work. They also teach while taking classes themselves. Sometimes, a doctorate fellow could be a physician that has completed his/her studies but receives a fellowship to cover expenses while completing his/her medical dissertation.
The roles of a doctoral fellow include publishing scientific results in top journals, investigating the mechanism of anti-cancer molecules in eliminating cancer cells. Also, performing chemical research is a task for a doctorate fellow. One prerequisite to qualify for this role is a master's degree in your area of study. Excellent presentation skill is also highly recommended. You should earn an average of $50,416 annually.
The roles of a doctoral fellow include publishing scientific results in top journals, investigating the mechanism of anti-cancer molecules in eliminating cancer cells. Also, performing chemical research is a task for a doctorate fellow. One prerequisite to qualify for this role is a master's degree in your area of study. Excellent presentation skill is also highly recommended. You should earn an average of $50,416 annually.
- Average Salary: $53,366
- Degree: Doctoral Degree
States With The Most Research Scientist Lead Jobs
Mouse over a state to see the number of active research scientist lead jobs in each state. The darker areas on the map show where research scientist leads earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average Salary: Job Openings:
Number Of Research Scientist Lead Jobs By State
| Rank | State | Number of Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 6,096 | $138,120 |
| 2 | Texas | 2,463 | $70,694 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 2,372 | $91,808 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 2,109 | $90,049 |
| 5 | Michigan | 2,005 | $88,724 |
| 6 | Florida | 1,836 | $67,583 |
| 7 | Virginia | 1,771 | $89,049 |
| 8 | Illinois | 1,745 | $77,546 |
| 9 | New York | 1,720 | $99,279 |
| 10 | New Jersey | 1,710 | $113,025 |
| 11 | North Carolina | 1,499 | $74,347 |
| 12 | Ohio | 1,174 | $78,322 |
| 13 | Georgia | 1,098 | $65,007 |
| 14 | Maryland | 1,001 | $86,951 |
| 15 | Minnesota | 944 | $104,585 |
| 16 | Washington | 925 | $93,155 |
| 17 | Colorado | 890 | $76,551 |
| 18 | Missouri | 844 | $54,492 |
| 19 | Oregon | 788 | $95,759 |
| 20 | Tennessee | 730 | $85,404 |
| 21 | Arizona | 718 | $87,610 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | 689 | $79,311 |
| 23 | Indiana | 646 | $91,320 |
| 24 | Kansas | 615 | $64,781 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | 576 | $71,145 |
| 26 | Nebraska | 527 | $65,502 |
| 27 | Connecticut | 519 | $104,179 |
| 28 | New Mexico | 512 | $69,354 |
| 29 | Nevada | 488 | $106,433 |
| 30 | Utah | 469 | $62,647 |
| 31 | Arkansas | 455 | $71,573 |
| 32 | Idaho | 440 | $80,189 |
| 33 | South Carolina | 382 | $60,786 |
| 34 | Montana | 317 | $104,921 |
| 35 | Iowa | 306 | $65,955 |
| 36 | South Dakota | 298 | $70,820 |
| 37 | Kentucky | 286 | $70,523 |
| 38 | New Hampshire | 283 | $84,808 |
| 39 | Alabama | 277 | $63,357 |
| 40 | Louisiana | 262 | $55,628 |
| 41 | Delaware | 230 | $97,894 |
| 42 | Rhode Island | 225 | $116,751 |
| 43 | Maine | 195 | $105,940 |
| 44 | West Virginia | 169 | $81,943 |
| 45 | Vermont | 160 | $88,784 |
| 46 | Alaska | 159 | $119,521 |
| 47 | Mississippi | 156 | $62,842 |
| 48 | North Dakota | 136 | $70,632 |
| 49 | Hawaii | 124 | $98,425 |
| 50 | Wyoming | 93 | $77,959 |
Top Colleges for Research Scientist Leads
2. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
3. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-State Tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
5. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
6. University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$13,226
Enrollment
31,568
7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-State Tuition
$8,987
Enrollment
18,946
8. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
In-State Tuition
$53,430
Enrollment
5,963
9. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
In-State Tuition
$53,740
Enrollment
5,567
10. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
In-State Tuition
$49,816
Enrollment
6,840
Top Skills For a Research Scientist Lead
The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 18.3% of research scientist leads listed research projects on their resume, but soft skills such as communication skills and observation skills are important as well.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Research Scientist Lead Resume templates
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use Research Scientist Lead templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your Research Scientist Lead resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
Research Scientist Lead Demographics
Research Scientist Lead Gender Distribution
Male
69%
Female
31%
After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
- Among research scientist leads, 31.2% of them are women, while 68.8% are men.
- The most common race/ethnicity among research scientist leads is White, which makes up 53.4% of all research scientist leads.
- The most common foreign language among research scientist leads is Hungarian at 11.1%.
Online Courses For Research Scientist Lead That You May Like
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1. Data Management for Clinical Research
This course presents critical concepts and practical methods to support planning, collection, storage, and dissemination of data in clinical research. Understanding and implementing solid data management principles is critical for any scientific domain. Regardless of your current (or anticipated) role in the research enterprise, a strong working knowledge and skill set in data management principles and practice will increase your productivity and improve your science. Our goal is to use these...
See More on Coursera2. Understanding Research Methods
This MOOC is about demystifying research and research methods. It will outline the fundamentals of doing research, aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the postgraduate level. It places the student experience at the centre of our endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises befitting SOAS, University of London's status as a research-intensive university and its rich research heritage. The course will appeal to those of you who require an...
See More on Coursera3. Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics
If you’ve ever skipped over`the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research...
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Best States For a Research Scientist Lead
Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a research scientist lead. The best states for people in this position are California, Alaska, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Research scientist leads make the most in California with an average salary of $138,120. Whereas in Alaska and Rhode Island, they would average $119,521 and $116,751, respectively. While research scientist leads would only make an average of $113,025 in New Jersey, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. California
Total Research Scientist Lead Jobs: 6,096
Highest 10% Earn:
$215,000
Location Quotient:
1.34
$138,120
Avg. Salary
2. Alaska
Total Research Scientist Lead Jobs: 159
Highest 10% Earn:
$185,000
Location Quotient:
1.22
$119,521
Avg. Salary
3. Montana
Total Research Scientist Lead Jobs: 317
Highest 10% Earn:
$166,000
Location Quotient:
1.76
$104,921
Avg. Salary
How Do Research Scientist Lead Rate Their Jobs?
Top Research Scientist Lead Employers
Most Common Employers For Research Scientist Lead
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevron | $147,568 | $70.95 | 11 |
| 2 | Array BioPharma | $129,059 | $62.05 | 3 |
| 3 | Battelle | $125,843 | $60.50 | 4 |
| 4 | General Electric | $119,255 | $57.33 | 2 |
| 5 | Salesforce | $117,073 | $56.29 | 2 |
| 6 | United | $116,512 | $56.02 | 2 |
| 7 | BD | $115,194 | $55.38 | 2 |
| 8 | Bristol-Myers Squibb | $111,793 | $53.75 | 6 |
| 9 | FM Global | $106,566 | $51.23 | 6 |
| 10 | The Dow Chemical Company | $104,217 | $50.10 | 3 |