Senior scientist is an important role that exists within most life science companies. It's typically a leadership role that can involve managing a team of scientists and/or liaising with various other departments within the business (such as engineering, quality management and sales).
A senior scientist is usually an expert in their field with years of relevant work experience.
Are you an experienced scientist looking for a new challenge? In this job profile, we'll outline the responsibilities and rewards that come with being a senior scientist in the life sciences sector.
Senior scientist salary
On average, senior scientists in the UK earn up to £50,000 per year depending on the company and their own experience.
What does a senior scientist do?
Your duties as a senior scientist will depend quite heavily on the type of company that employs you. On an average working day, you might...
- Lead the planning and implementation of experimental work
- Assign projects to your team members
- Assess the strengths and development needs of your team
- Analyse data to make detailed observations and interpretations
- Present findings to various stakeholders
- Provide scientific strategies to drive results
Senior scientist skills and qualifications
When recruiting a senior scientist, hiring managers will be looking for a candidate who fits the following profile:
- Proactive approach
- Strong leadership skills
- Ability to work in a cross-functional environment
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple interrelated projects
- Several years of experience in the relevant discipline
Most senior scientist roles will also require you to be degree-qualified in a related field. In some cases, a PhD is also desirable.
Relocating to the US for your pharmaceutical career
If you'll be relocating to the US from another country, you may need a work visa.
The specific type of visa you need will depend on your country of origin, the company's needs and whether the employment is permanent or a temporary assignment. Your prospective employer will discuss this with you.
If you're looking for a career in the pharma industry, HRS can help! We work with top pharmaceutical employers on both sides of the Atlantic to find the right people for a range of different roles. Use the links below to browse the latest vacancies, or enquire now for more information.
