Principal Scientist+28% typical comp change · ~3.0y typical
64% of observed moves out of Senior Research Scientist go here (4,200 careers)
leadership branchconfidence high4,200 careers96% of observed exits move upward from there
Observed career paths · research_science
Where does a Senior Research Scientist go next?
13 observed directions, from real career histories. Percentages are the share of people who made each move; the count is how many careers each number rests on. This is the generic map. No aspiration, no filler.
Management path
Director of Research+71% typical comp change · ~3.0y typical
21% of observed moves out of Senior Research Scientist go here (1,400 careers)
leadership branchconfidence high1,400 careers88% of observed exits move upward from there
Senior Scientist+47% typical comp change · ~7.0y typical
reachable via Scientist, Biotech. 5% joint share of observed careers
leadership branchconfidence moderate460 careers90% of observed exits move upward from there
Higher-growth opportunity
VP Research & Development+146% typical comp change · ~6.0y typical
reachable via Principal Scientist. 15% joint share of observed careers
executive stepconfidence high1,400 careersno observed onward moves above the evidence floor
Career pivot
Scientist, Biotech+15% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
7% of observed moves out of Senior Research Scientist go here (460 careers)
pivotconfidence moderate460 careers86% of observed exits move upward from there
Vivarium Supervisor+0% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
7% of observed moves out of Senior Research Scientist go here (460 careers)
pivotconfidence moderate460 careers86% of observed exits move upward from there