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.
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
$70K - $115K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on healthcare compliance auditing. Utilize your analytical skills to drive impactful audits and contribute to client deliverables while receiving...
1 week ago
$85K - $105K *
Empower innovation as you develop NGS assays, conduct experiments, and analyze results. Collaborate with teams to enhance existing products and present findings at conferences, driving advancements in...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate research capabilities by engineering robust systems that ensure accurate, reproducible experiments at scale, enabling scientists to focus on innovative study designs and measurements while mai...
5 days ago
$145K - $175K *
Drive the development and maintenance of robust research systems and pipelines, ensuring reliable data processing and deployment. Collaborate closely with researchers to enhance efficiency and scalabi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Economist/Senior Researcher (NOC 41401)
$111K - $120K *
Empower Ontario's public policy landscape by conducting impactful research and analysis. Lead discussions on economic issues, advocate for progressive solutions, and engage diverse stakeholders to sha...
5 days ago
Research Engineer, Gemini Information Retrieval, DeepMind
$174K - $252K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative AI solutions through research and engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deploy advanced machine learning models, enhancing user exp...
2 weeks ago
$98K - $140K *
Drive innovative product development as a Senior Scientist, leading cross-functional teams to create cutting-edge polymer additives. Engage in hands-on lab work, data analysis, and customer collaborat...
Today
$100K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead clinical trials and mentor staff, ensuring compliance and excellence in research. Drive strategic growth while fostering collaboration and innovation in a fast-paced en...
3 weeks ago
Staff UX Researcher, GeminiApp, DeepMind
$188K - $274K *
Advance user experience research in AI by leading foundational studies that shape product strategy and enhance user engagement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure a...
6 days ago
Quantitative Researcher - Delta One
$150K - $250K *
Champion innovative delta-one strategies by researching and developing systematic futures models. Collaborate with traders to enhance portfolio risk management and optimize execution across global mar...
3 weeks ago
Senior Administrative Assistant
$80K - $90K *
Optimize administrative operations by providing comprehensive support to leadership and teams, managing tasks, documentation, and communications for effective program execution in a dynamic defense en...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI research and policy. As a Research Manager, you'll lead interdisciplinary projects, mentor junior researchers, and collaborate with experts to drive impactf...
5 days ago
Senior Principal/ Principal Scientist, Computational Safety
$140K - $269K *
Join a team that pioneers in silico safety assessment, leveraging AI/ML and multi-omics data to enhance drug discovery. Drive scientific innovation and communication across multidisciplinary teams to...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Research Methodologist - Principal Investigator, Multimodal Survey Experiment
$119K - $202K *
Lead the charge in pioneering innovative survey methodologies, overseeing a multidisciplinary team to design and implement hybrid survey experiments in West and Central Africa, ensuring scientific rig...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - R&D Process Development
$72K - $120K *
Champion innovative process development and optimization in R&D, leading projects that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead innovative cell culture media development, driving projects from concept to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and solve complex technical challenges...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by transforming spatial AI research into practical solutions that enhance user experiences for homebuyers and builders, driving innovation in generative floor plan capabilities within...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join our Analytical Services team to leverage automation in pharmaceutical development, conducting experiments and troubleshooting to enhance product design and efficiency while collaborating with div...
6 days ago
Managing Consultant - Financial Institution Advisory
$100K - $160K *
Lead the charge in delivering strategic advisory services to financial institutions through analytical insights, operational enhancements, and risk management while mentoring a team of consultants in...
Reposted 5 days ago
Research Engineer, Frontier Safety Mitigations, DeepMind
$174K - $252K *
Explore innovative safety solutions for AI models, focusing on robust defenses against critical misuse. Collaborate in a dynamic team to develop and implement advanced mitigations, ensuring safe deplo...
1 week ago
$128K - $200K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research and product development. Lead experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration while mentoring others to achieve innovative sol...
1 week ago
Sr Scientist, Biomaterials R&D
$109K - $174K *
Join a team that's advancing biomaterials research to develop innovative medical devices. Leverage your expertise in materials science and chemistry to support product life-cycles and collaborate acro...
1 week ago
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in advancing AI safety research by defining impactful agendas, mentoring teams, and driving real-world change through innovative projects and collaborations with governments and AI lab...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Take ownership of complex multi-site research projects, coordinating teams and resources to ensure timely execution. Lead project planning, budget management, and oversee staff performance while drivi...
4 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.