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.
Senior Advanced AI Research Engineer
$132K - $338K *
Support cutting-edge research in agentic AI by developing production-ready prototypes and integrating innovative solutions into scalable platforms, collaborating closely with engineers and stakeholder...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Advanced AI Research Engineer
$132K - $292K *
Unlock potential by bridging AI research and engineering to create innovative, production-ready solutions. Collaborate with teams to translate cutting-edge findings into scalable, reliable systems tha...
4 days ago
Senior Advanced AI Research Engineer
$122K - $270K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate in agentic AI systems, transforming cutting-edge research into production-ready solutions. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to drive advancements that enhanc...
4 days ago
Health Practice Researcher, Executive Search
$85K - $95K *
Lead strategic initiatives by guiding client teams in delivering high-quality Executive Search and Advisory projects, leveraging market insights and project management skills to drive impactful human...
2 weeks ago
Health Practice Researcher, Executive Search
$85K - $95K *
Drive impactful client solutions as a Senior Business Analyst, guiding teams on research and execution for Executive Search projects across multiple sectors. Collaborate closely to enhance strategic i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Study Management Specialist
$95K - $105K *
Elevate the future of clinical research by leading global real-world evidence studies. Utilize your expertise to drive high-quality project management while ensuring compliance and ethical standards a...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in transforming cutting-edge AI research into reliable, high-performance products by optimizing and deploying models in real-time environments. Collaborate with researchers and engineers to enh...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $270K *
Unlock your potential as a Research Scientist, driving AI innovations in healthcare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement cutting-edge machine learning models that enhance...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Scientist, Upstream Operations
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in upstream operations, ensuring efficient production and purification of clinical vectors while adhering to GMP and regulatory standards. Collaborate across disciplines to drive proje...
6 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Innovate your career by leading impactful research initiatives that drive strategic decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights that support ambitious growth obje...
4 days ago
Senior Staff Research Scientist, Gemini Research, DeepMind
$262K - $364K *
Champion innovative AI research by leading interdisciplinary teams, advancing generative model capabilities, and shaping post-training initiatives. Drive impactful publications and strategic collabora...
3 weeks ago
Lead Experimental Physicist - 570
$148K - $200K *
Pioneer groundbreaking research in quantum computing, leading experimental initiatives and guiding a talented team. Drive innovation through meticulous project management and collaboration across disc...
Reposted 2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive evidence-based healthcare improvements by leading evaluations and strategic analyses. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance Military Health System outcomes through expert consultat...
3 weeks ago
Next Gen Quant Equity Researcher
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your potential by leading innovative quantitative research initiatives. Collaborate globally to develop machine learning models that enhance equity strategies and drive alpha generation in a dy...
5 days ago
Principal Scientist, AI-Native Discovery (Large Molecules)
$117K - $201K *
Advance AI-native biologics discovery by integrating cutting-edge AI and computational methods into therapeutic programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate the develop...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist, AI-Native Discovery (Large Molecules)
$117K - $201K *
Engage in AI-native biologics discovery by integrating advanced AI and computational design into therapeutic programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate drug discovery...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist, AI-Native Discovery (Large Molecules)
$117K - $201K *
Unlock potential by integrating AI and computational design into biologics discovery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance therapeutic development and drive innovative solutions in drug...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist, AI-Native Discovery (Large Molecules)
$117K - $201K *
Optimize biologics discovery by integrating AI and computational design into therapeutic programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate learning cycles, shaping the futur...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Pioneer predictive models and AI frameworks for translational safety, collaborating across domains to enhance drug development safety and efficacy. Drive AI solutions to support evidence-based decisio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Optimize AI/ML solutions for predictive safety modeling in drug discovery. Collaborate across disciplines to transform data into actionable insights, accelerating drug development and empowering infor...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative AI solutions for predictive modeling to enhance drug safety across the R&D lifecycle. Collaborate with scientists to transform multimodal data into actionable in...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Optimize translational safety predictions by designing AI/ML models that leverage multi-domain data. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to innovate drug safety assessments and streamline decisi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Unlock the potential of AI in drug safety by developing predictive models that enhance translational safety assessments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and improve patie...
2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Drive significant advancements in drug safety by developing AI/ML models that enhance translational safety predictions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate complex data and improve de...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist, Modeling Applications
$125K - $160K *
Join us to shape the future of ocean-based CDR research by developing and applying advanced modeling systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ocean alkalinity and drive impactful scientific...
2 weeks 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.