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What is a senior applications scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Betsy Smith

A senior applications scientist is expected to develop innovative workflow solutions using the needs of the customers. They are also responsible for the identification and quantification of new and emerging market opportunities. As a senior applications scientist, one should also be able to collaborate with other stakeholders and create scientific content for the target market.

First off, if one wants to become a senior applications scientist, they should obtain a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Along with this, they should possess important skills needed for the job.

These skills include remarkable knowledge in application development, data collection, laboratory procedures, data analysis, and other relevant skills. It is worth noting, too, that there are more male workers than female workers in this area of work, and more than half of the working population is White.

A senior applications scientist earns around $84,455 a year, and the job's growth rate is 8%. As one takes on more responsibilities through the years, they can be a vice president product development.

What general advice would you give to a senior applications scientist?

Dr. Betsy SmithDr. Betsy Smith LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College

I would advise students just graduating to be flexible and open-minded in their job search. Chemistry is a challenging major, and students who succeed in it have learned how to learn, so they shouldn't assume that pure chemistry is the only thing they can do. One growing field is biomedical research, and chemistry majors are often qualified for jobs in that area. If you have other strengths, like writing, there are often jobs that can combine them as a technical writer or work for a science journal. There are jobs out there that might be perfect for you that you haven't heard of until you see an ad for it, so be open to different possibilities.
ScoreSenior Applications ScientistUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $105,538

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 26.26%

Black or African American 6.51%

Hispanic or Latino 9.79%

Unknown 4.15%

White 53.15%

Gender

female 32.86%

male 67.14%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior applications scientist career paths

Key steps to become a senior applications scientist

  1. Explore senior applications scientist education requirements

    Most common senior applications scientist degrees

    Bachelor's

    49.3 %

    Doctorate

    27.9 %

    Master's

    16.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior applications scientist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Software Development16.29%
    Data Collection9.86%
    Next-Generation Sequencing8.54%
    Data Analysis5.43%
    Customer Support5.18%
  3. Complete relevant senior applications scientist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior applications scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior applications scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior applications scientist resumes.
  4. Research senior applications scientist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage study protocols and study conduct, intimately involve in the toxicology and pharmacokinetic study protocol development process.
    • Design, develop and implement DNA base assays and immunoassays.
    • Subject matter expert for applications of a pathogen detection system base on principles of PCR and mass spectrometry.
    • Develop, validate and implement robust methods for pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity (ADA) and immunodepletion ELISAs, and cell based-bioassays.
  5. Get senior applications scientist experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a senior applications scientist. The most common roles before becoming a senior applications scientist include research associate, research scientist team lead and application scientist.
  6. Prepare your senior applications scientist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior applications scientist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior applications scientist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior applications scientist resume templates

    Build a professional senior applications scientist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior applications scientist resume.
    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
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    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
    Senior Applications Scientist Resume
  7. Apply for senior applications scientist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior applications scientist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior applications scientist job

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Average senior applications scientist salary

The average senior applications scientist salary in the United States is $105,538 per year or $51 per hour. Senior applications scientist salaries range between $69,000 and $159,000 per year.

Average senior applications scientist salary
$105,538 Yearly
$50.74 hourly

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Senior applications scientist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2023
Pros

Experience different scientific fields- get away from the bench

Cons

Career path forward is narrow and limited beyond this role


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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