Applied Scientist, Special Projects

Amazon is hiring an Applied Scientist, Special Projects in Seattle, United States. It pays $143k-$193k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Amazon.

Level's read on this job

Level rates this applied scientist role Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
The posting mentions Python, Java and C among its tools and skills.
Level classes it as a senior role.
Amazon has 20,000+ other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

Build state-of-the-art machine learning models for biology and life sciences in a special projects team.

PythonJavaCLinux

machine-learningdeep-learningprotein-biologyresearchsoftware-development

Innovators wanted! Are you an entrepreneur? A builder? A dreamer? This role is part of an Amazon Special Projects team that takes the company’s Think Big leadership principle to the limits. If you’re interested in innovating at scale to address big challenges in the world, this is the team for you.

As an Applied Scientist on our team, you will focus on building state-of-the-art ML models for biology. Our team rewards curiosity while maintaining a laser-focus in bringing products to market. Competitive candidates are responsive, flexible, and able to succeed within an open, collaborative, entrepreneurial, startup-like environment. At the forefront of both academic and applied research in this product area, you have the opportunity to work together with a diverse and talented team of scientists, engineers, and product managers and collaborate with other teams.

Basic qualifications

- PhD in computer science, machine learning, engineering, or related fields
- Experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, C++

Preferred qualifications

- Experience using Unix/Linux
- Experience in professional software development
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience in deep learning models for life sciences; knowledge of protein biology.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, MA, Boston - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually

How we rate this

Applied Scientist, Special Projects at Amazon rates 95 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Applied Scientist, Special Projects is an open job at Amazon.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $143k-$193k a year.
The role is based in US, WA, Seattle.
The job was posted on August 25, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by Amazon. Apply on Amazon

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Machine learningDeep learningProtein BiologyResearchSoftware DevelopmentPythonJavaC

Also common in applied scientist jobs at this level

LLM Generative AI NLP Reinforcement learning TensorFlow Spark

Pay

This job starts at: $143k
Typical applied scientist job: $169k

This posting starts 16% below the typical applied scientist job. See applied scientist jobs

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where machine learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where deep learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where protein biology was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where research was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where software development was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Machine learning, Deep learning, Protein Biology, Research, and Software Development. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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