Explore Senior Researcher Jobs

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.

What Senior Researchers Do

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Senior Researcher Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Senior Researcher Roles on Ladders

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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading healthcare data analyses and experiments. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product capabilities and deliver impactful insights that drive client success and innova...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $190K *

Lead innovation in generative video modeling, guiding technical strategy and decision-making while enhancing team output and translating research into actionable, deployable systems for advanced robot...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead compliance efforts in research security, ensuring adherence to regulations while fostering safe international collaboration and providing expert guidance to faculty across diverse disciplines...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$119K - $163K *

Drive innovation as a Principal Scientist, leading complex projects that shape health and wellness solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful product developments and leverage data...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$100K - $174K *

Explore innovative techniques in biomarker assay development to enhance oncology research, collaborating across various therapeutic modalities while leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodolog...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $350K *

Build advanced inference systems to enhance RL research, optimizing throughput and enabling scalable model updates. Collaborate with researchers to balance efficiency and quality in cutting-edge AI ar...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Build innovative simulation environments for robotics, enhancing AI training and evaluation. Collaborate with cutting-edge tools to create scalable solutions that bridge the gap between virtual and re...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Develop advanced polymeric materials and semiconductor cleaning products through experimental design and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and commercialization of next-gen...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing accelerator physics. Contribute to the maintenance, operation, and innovative upgrades of cutting-edge synchrotron light sources, enh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$112K - $168K *

Shape the future of cell therapy by leveraging your expertise in immunology and data analysis. Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to drive innovative research and advance next-generation thera...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $166K *

Partner with us to lead innovative molecular assay projects, mentor scientists, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Drive scientific excellence while collaborating with clients to deliver...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $125K *

Drive impactful research initiatives by managing multiple large-scale projects, overseeing program operations, and fostering collaboration among diverse teams to enhance emergency medicine outcomes...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $125K *

Oversee comprehensive program management for multiple large-scale research projects, ensuring effective coordination, budget management, and operational support while fostering collaboration among div...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $119K *

Transform equity in research by leading strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion. Collaborate across departments and external organizations to implement initiatives and meet EDI goals. Drive impa...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$155K - $170K *

Lead complex research initiatives by transforming business questions into actionable insights. Collaborate with clients to design robust studies, ensuring methodological integrity and advancing resear...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$174K - $252K *

Unlock potential by developing cutting-edge AI methods for chip design, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance silicon development and streamline hardware design processes, driving innov...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $165K *

Join a team that's advancing preclinical drug discovery for metabolic diseases. Lead innovative studies, collaborate across functions, and influence R&D direction while presenting findings to senior m...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$217K - $403K *

Unlock potential by leading advanced Causal AI and experimentation initiatives. Drive impactful statistical modeling and optimization solutions, mentoring teams and collaborating across functions to e...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $125K *

Transform financial strategies by managing budgets, conducting reconciliations, and providing actionable insights to stakeholders while ensuring compliance with federal policies and optimizing resourc...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Join us to lead innovative evaluations in healthcare, driving quality and access improvements through rigorous research and strategic project management. Collaborate with a diverse team to shape impac...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Champion innovative healthcare research by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse experts to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives for Medicare models, driving strategic growth and fostering collaboration among diverse teams to enha...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Transform healthcare research by leading evaluations for Medicare models. Drive business development, manage complex projects, and provide technical expertise while fostering a diverse team environmen...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Drive impactful healthcare research by leading evaluations and business development for CMS initiatives. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance quality, access, and cost-effectiveness in health se...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing healthcare research by managing complex evaluations, fostering client relationships, and driving strategic growth initiatives within a collaborative team of experts dedica...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a senior researcher do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.