Salary for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Research Scientist salary lies between USD 145,900 and USD 240,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Research Scientist job listings are Research, Machine Learning and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 278 jobs Machine Learning | 235 jobs Python | 203 jobs PhD | 180 jobs Computer Science | 162 jobs Engineering | 139 jobs Deep Learning | 135 jobs NLP | 106 jobs LLMs | 105 jobs PyTorch | 101 jobs Computer Vision | 79 jobs TensorFlow | 78 jobs Architecture | 76 jobs Mathematics | 76 jobs R | 75 jobs Testing | 67 jobs Industrial | 57 jobs Java | 57 jobs Reinforcement Learning | 56 jobs Statistics | 55 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Research Scientist job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 192 jobs Flex hours | 125 jobs Health care | 110 jobs Equity / stock options | 87 jobs Conferences | 86 jobs Competitive pay | 73 jobs Parental leave | 65 jobs 401(k) matching | 62 jobs Flex vacation | 61 jobs Team events | 53 jobs Startup environment | 51 jobs Insurance | 47 jobs Wellness | 46 jobs Medical leave | 42 jobs Salary bonus | 40 jobs Fertility benefits | 16 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 14 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs Flexible spending account | 12 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 12 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Research Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is often the largest component, providing a stable income. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, stock options or equity can form a substantial part of the compensation package, reflecting the company's growth potential. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living or in non-tech industries might offer a higher percentage of the total compensation as a fixed salary. Larger companies often provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, which can add significant value to the overall compensation.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Senior-level/Expert Research Scientist position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML that is in high demand but has a limited supply of experts.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as leading a research team or department.
• Publications and Patents: Increase your visibility and credibility by publishing research papers in prestigious journals or obtaining patents.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain referrals.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML and acquire new skills that are in demand.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Research Scientist positions require a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or Mathematics. A strong academic background with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analysis is essential. Candidates with a Master's degree and extensive experience in the field may also be considered, especially if they have a proven track record of impactful research and innovation.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Research Scientist role requires at least 5-10 years of experience in AI/ML or data science. This experience should include a combination of academic research, industry projects, and practical applications of machine learning models. Experience in leading research projects, mentoring junior scientists, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also highly valued.

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