Senior researchers lead and advance research programs, turning complex questions into rigorous studies and actionable insights. Browse vetted senior researcher opportunities on Ladders, including roles with salaries of $100,000 or more across industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, academia, and life sciences.
Responsibilities vary by discipline, but senior researchers commonly shape research agendas, design methodologies, analyze and interpret data, and communicate findings to technical and executive audiences. They may mentor research teams, manage projects and budgets, publish or present results, and partner with product, clinical, policy, or business teams to apply discoveries.
Employers often seek deep subject-matter expertise, strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, and a record of conducting high-quality research. Depending on the role, qualifications may include an advanced degree, experience with statistical analysis or specialized laboratory methods, proficiency with relevant research tools, and a history of publications, patents, or successful research programs. Clear writing, collaboration, project leadership, and ethical research practices are valuable across fields.
Compensation depends on industry, location, specialization, education, and scope of responsibility. Senior researcher roles can offer competitive salaries, particularly in sectors where advanced technical knowledge and research leadership are in demand. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates explore opportunities aligned with their expertise.
Search senior researcher jobs by specialty, location, and employer to identify roles that fit your career goals. Review each listing for its responsibilities and requirements, then tailor your application to highlight relevant research outcomes, leadership experience, and measurable impact.
$67K - $101K *
Advance your career by executing experiments and analyzing data to support innovative biomarker measurement projects. Collaborate in a dynamic lab environment, contributing to reagent and assay develo...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI by leading advanced research in machine learning, focusing on large language models, optimization, and scalable training systems. Collaborate with talented teams, publish impact...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of internal technology initiatives, conducting impactful user research to shape product strategy and design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver inno...
4 days ago
$178K - $253K *
Innovate solutions by applying advanced research to real-world challenges, leveraging machine learning and software engineering to drive impactful projects from conception to execution while collabora...
2 weeks ago
$81K - $138K *
Lead impactful research initiatives to combat child labor and human trafficking. Utilize advanced analytical skills to inform policy and enhance global labor standards, while mentoring junior analysts...
5 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI evaluation by leading rigorous methodologies, collaborating with engineers, and mentoring teams to ensure accurate assessments that drive product innovation and market standards...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Champion your career by conducting in-depth research and analysis to produce impactful industry insights for top executives in home services, driving strategic decisions and fostering key relationship...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive innovation by tackling complex engineering challenges from concept to execution. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create cutting-edge robotic solutions that enhance everyday life, blending res...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform innovative ideas into functional prototypes by blending research and engineering. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle diverse challenges, from motion to sensing, ensuring solutions are...
2 weeks ago
Senior Quantitative Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge ML detection models, transforming research into production-ready solutions. Collaborate with a high-caliber team to architect scalable systems that enhance sec...
2 weeks ago
$117K - $174K *
Champion user-centered experiences by leading end-to-end research initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to uncover insights that drive product strategy and enhance user engagement in a...
1 week ago
Senior Signal Processing Researcher
$139K - $170K *
Drive innovative research in signal processing and HF communications, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges and enhance national security capabilities through advance...
5 days ago
Senior Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology
$94K - $144K *
Drive innovative LNP delivery research by executing in vitro and ex vivo studies, developing assays, and collaborating across teams to advance targeted therapies in immunology and neuroscience...
6 days ago
$100K *
Elevate your career by leading impactful research initiatives, collaborating with diverse teams, and mentoring emerging scientists. Drive innovative studies that enhance understanding of Latino popula...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading high-throughput antibody discovery and development in a collaborative environment. Utilize advanced techniques in protein biochemistry, automation, and molecular biology, w...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$145K - $215K *
Unlock potential by leading user experience research initiatives that drive insights and inform strategies across the purchasing journey. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance user-centered experie...
1 week ago
$145K - $215K *
Join a dynamic team as a Staff Experience Researcher, uncovering user insights to enhance the checkout experience. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive data-informed decisions and optimize methodolo...
1 week ago
$79K - $127K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing health research through innovative statistical analysis and mentoring. Collaborate with investigators to design studies, prepare publications, and present fin...
6 days ago
Lead Network Systems Researcher
$180K - $230K *
Empower your career by leading advanced networking and ML systems projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate mission needs into actionable plans, ensuring high-quality, secure, an...
1 week ago
$140K - $170K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative multimodal AI systems that enhance immersive audio-visual experiences. Collaborate cross-functionally to transform cutting-edge research into transformative Do...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion the advancement of radiopharmaceutical products by leading analytical method development, process controls, and technology transfers, ensuring compliance and commercial viability from late-st...
5 days ago
$100K - $125K *
Unlock potential by analyzing U.S. food regulatory policies, producing insightful content, and collaborating with a dynamic research team to inform industry professionals on emerging trends and regula...
Yesterday
$88K - $134K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance by managing complex projects, mentoring team members, and driving improvements in product performance. Utilize your expertise in protein-based immunoassays to ensu...
3 weeks ago
Senior Responsible AI Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Lead groundbreaking research in AI safety and evaluation, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Drive innovative methodologies and collaborate with top-tier institutions to enhance respo...
1 week ago
Senior Responsible AI Researcher
$160K - $190K *
Lead transformative research initiatives in AI safety, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Collaborate with top-tier institutions to develop evaluation frameworks and benchmarks, drivi...
1 week ago
What does a senior researcher do?
A senior researcher plans and leads research, selects appropriate methods, analyzes evidence, and communicates findings. Many also mentor colleagues, manage projects, and collaborate with teams that use research results.
What qualifications are typically required for senior researcher jobs?
Requirements depend on the field. Employers commonly look for substantial research experience, subject expertise, analytical skills, and sometimes a master's degree or PhD. Specialized methods, publications, or team leadership may also be required.
How much do senior researchers earn?
Pay varies by discipline, employer, location, and experience. Ladders features vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, including senior researcher opportunities when available.
Which industries hire senior researchers?
Senior researchers work in areas such as technology, life sciences, healthcare, finance, consulting, government, and academia. Specific job titles and responsibilities differ across industries.
How can I find senior researcher jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse senior researcher listings on Ladders and filter opportunities by relevant criteria such as location and specialty. Compare qualifications and responsibilities, and emphasize measurable research impact in your application.