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 Research Programmer/Analyst Pharmacoepidemiology
$79K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of healthcare data by developing reproducible analytic workflows. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to analyze large datasets, translating research questions into actionab...
1 week ago
Research Engineer - RL Infrastructure
$150K - $350K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure to enhance large-scale reinforcement learning and distributed training systems, optimizing performance and efficiency across various layers and...
1 week ago
Senior Research Scientist- Vision-Language-Action (VLA) Models
$185K - $215K *
Transform your career by advancing AI and machine learning in the ADAS/AD sector. Conduct pioneering research in embodied AI, collaborate globally, and influence cutting-edge developments in perceptio...
4 weeks ago
Senior Systems Security Engineer
$108K - $130K *
Champion advanced systems security engineering to enhance USAF weapon systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity and resilience throughout the acquisition life cycle while collaborating with diverse teams...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform customer insights into impactful product strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive research initiatives, leveraging qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance user ex...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in user research to enhance product development and customer experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive insights, influence decisions, and leverage AI for impactful o...
3 weeks ago
Principal Researcher, Benchmarks, Evaluation, and Standards
$133K - $197K *
Drive impactful research by leading technical evaluations and benchmarks in AI. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure principled guidance that integrates social and technical considerations...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing pharmaceutical analytical methods and standards. Drive complex studies, support regulatory compliance, and mentor scientific talent while championing method development an...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, HPC Researcher Experience
$117K - $171K *
Empower researchers by enhancing their experience with a high-performance computing platform. Lead outreach, training, and support initiatives to ensure effective access and usability, driving innovat...
1 week ago
Engineer Sr, Applied Research Science
$115K - $185K *
Unlock innovative audio solutions by researching and developing AI/ML algorithms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive product innovation from concept to real...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Quality Control
$95K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of quality control by conducting critical testing and validation. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards while driving continuous improveme...
1 week ago
Applied AI Researcher, System Discovery
$150K - $250K *
Join a team that's redefining AI applications in enterprise environments. Collaborate with experts to innovate and develop novel systems that leverage AI, solving real-world challenges in diverse indu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Medical Studies
$166K - $189K *
Unlock potential by leading externally sponsored research programs in hematology/oncology. Oversee governance, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...
Yesterday
Senior Manager, Medical Studies
$166K - $189K *
Lead the execution of externally sponsored research programs, ensuring milestones are met and governance is upheld. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to manage the research lifecycle...
Yesterday
$85K - $110K *
Drive innovative research in laryngotracheal stenosis, utilizing advanced techniques and animal models to develop therapeutic strategies. Collaborate in a dynamic lab environment focused on translatio...
5 days ago
$85K - $110K *
Join a team that's advancing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics in laryngotracheal stenosis research. Contribute to translational studies, utilizing in vivo models and advanced immunological tech...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer Production Support
$124K - $143K *
Empower production excellence by designing robust manufacturing processes and procedures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mechanical integrity and ensure product performance through...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate quality excellence by leading QA/QC initiatives across diverse projects. Oversee compliance, mentor teams, and enhance the Quality Management System to ensure superior project execution and...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist and Executive Director, Envision Research Institute
$120K - $150K *
Lead and optimize research initiatives, mentor staff, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals while managing financial viability and compliance in a dynamic environment focused on low...
1 week ago
Research Engineer / Research Scientist, RL Frontiers
$500K+*
Advance the frontier of reinforcement learning by developing next-gen architectures and algorithms. Collaborate across research and engineering to scale models, enhance efficiency, and empower innovat...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Research Scientist, RL Frontiers
$500K+*
Empower groundbreaking advancements in reinforcement learning by architecting next-generation algorithms and scalable systems, driving research and engineering efforts to enhance throughput, stability...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Research Scientist, RL Frontiers
$500K+*
Collaborate with us to scale reinforcement learning algorithms and architectures. You'll research and develop systems to enhance performance, manage large-scale runs, and optimize training efficiency...
3 weeks ago
$127K - $180K *
Shape the future of biologic therapeutics by developing and optimizing complex cell-based bioassays and potency assays, ensuring regulatory compliance and scientific rigor through effective collaborat...
1 week ago
Research Engineer, Scientific Data & Workflow Infrastructure
$148K - $240K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced ML and physics-based infrastructure. Collaborate with scientists to build a robust provenance system that enhances reproducibility an...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Continuous Monitoring Analyst
$110K - $130K *
Lead the advancement of a continuous monitoring program, integrating security data into automated dashboards and reports, while enhancing enterprise risk posture and ensuring compliance with industry...
3 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.