Salary for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Research Scientist salary lies between USD 160,000 and USD 250,800 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: Dec. 22, 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 824 jobs Machine Learning | 683 jobs Python | 590 jobs Computer Science | 523 jobs Engineering | 487 jobs PhD | 480 jobs Deep Learning | 363 jobs NLP | 314 jobs PyTorch | 308 jobs LLMs | 303 jobs Architecture | 265 jobs Statistics | 243 jobs Mathematics | 236 jobs Computer Vision | 214 jobs Generative AI | 199 jobs TensorFlow | 197 jobs Physics | 188 jobs NeurIPS | 174 jobs ML models | 169 jobs R | 154 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, Equity / stock options and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 650 jobs Equity / stock options | 428 jobs Health care | 392 jobs Conferences | 330 jobs Salary bonus | 229 jobs Flex hours | 210 jobs Competitive pay | 173 jobs Flex vacation | 170 jobs Parental leave | 144 jobs Medical leave | 142 jobs Insurance | 139 jobs 401(k) matching | 134 jobs Startup environment | 115 jobs Wellness | 96 jobs Team events | 96 jobs Relocation support | 52 jobs Flexible spending account | 46 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 33 jobs Fitness / gym | 22 jobs Transparency | 22 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Research Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but bonuses and stock options can also form a substantial part of the total compensation package. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be lower, but the overall package could still be competitive due to other benefits. In larger companies, bonuses and stock options are often more generous compared to smaller startups, which might offer more equity as an incentive.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Director of AI/ML or Chief Data Scientist. These roles often come with higher compensation packages. Additionally, specializing in a niche area of AI/ML that is in high demand, such as deep learning or natural language processing, can make you more valuable. Publishing research papers, speaking at conferences, and building a strong professional network can also enhance your reputation and open up higher-paying opportunities. Negotiating your salary based on market research and leveraging offers from other companies can also be effective strategies.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Research Scientist positions require a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Electrical Engineering. A strong academic background with a focus on machine learning, data science, or artificial intelligence is essential. Some positions might accept a Master's degree with extensive experience, but a Ph.D. is often preferred due to the research-oriented nature of the role.

Helpful Certificates

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your profile. Certifications in machine learning and data science from reputable institutions like Stanford, MIT, or Coursera can be beneficial. Additionally, certifications in specific tools and technologies, such as TensorFlow Developer Certificate or AWS Certified Machine Learning, can demonstrate your technical proficiency and commitment to continuous learning.

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 proven track record of conducting independent research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and applying machine learning techniques to solve complex problems. Experience in leading projects and mentoring junior researchers is also highly valued.

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