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.
Lead Applied Scientist, Search & Information Retrieval
$147K - $274K *
Transform the future of search and information retrieval by designing and deploying large-scale systems that enhance legal, tax, and accounting content, ensuring reliable and measurable impact across...
1 week ago
Lead Applied Scientist, Search & Information Retrieval
$147K - $274K *
Lead the design and deployment of large-scale search systems, enhancing retrieval for legal and enterprise content. Collaborate across teams to optimize architectures and ensure impactful, measurable...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in data analysis and psychometrics to drive innovative assessment solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance educational outcomes through advan...
3 weeks ago
$170K - $230K *
Empower clients by developing advanced NLP features and data models, transforming multilingual communications into actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive AI solutions fr...
1 week ago
Senior Legal Implementation Specialist
$100K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming complex customer implementations into streamlined, valuable outcomes. Shape delivery standards, coach colleagues, and ensure executive success through strategic account...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior UX Researcher, Hardware XR
$159K - $230K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead innovative research initiatives within XR products, collaborating with designers and engineers to enhance user experience through rigorous testing and insights...
4 weeks ago
Staff Engineering Science Specialist
$107K - $130K *
Lead cross-functional teams to enhance weapons performance analysis and database management, ensuring effective integration of technology into WMD/HDBT programs while supporting decision-making throug...
1 week ago
Scientist I, Analytical Development
$85K - $110K *
Analyze and optimize biophysical characterization methods for viral vector analytics. Lead development and validation of analytical assays while supporting cross-functional collaborations in a cGMP en...
4 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Radiopharmacology
$81K - $150K *
Join a team that's advancing personalized medicine by conducting radiochemistry research. You'll perform radiolabeling, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product devel...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Analyze and lead statistical design across the product lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define objectives and strategies. Drive evidence generation from diverse datasets while e...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Shape the future of healthcare by leading statistical design and analysis across product lifecycles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive evidence generation and ensure scientific integrit...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $95K *
Engage with hiring managers to lead strategic recruitment initiatives, driving talent acquisition across diverse sectors. Utilize expertise in sourcing and employer branding to attract top candidates...
6 days ago
$130K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading statistical design and analysis throughout the product lifecycle. Collaborate cross-functionally to define objectives and strategies, ensuring scientific integrity and effe...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Unlock the potential of data by leading statistical design and analysis across the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive evidence generation and ensure scientific integri...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading statistical design and analysis throughout the product lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure scientific integrity and effective decision-making usi...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to lead statistical design and analysis throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring scientific integrity and effective decision-making using diverse data sources...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Drive statistical leadership across the product lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define objectives and analysis strategies. Ensure scientific integrity and provide actionable in...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics
$117K - $201K *
Lead the charge in advancing clinical pharmacology strategies, applying expertise in drug development stages. Drive innovative study design, provide regulatory guidance, and deliver impactful results...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Scientist, Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics
$117K - $201K *
Join a team that leads the advancement of clinical pharmacology by developing innovative drug strategies and applying quantitative methods to optimize drug development processes across all stages of t...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Scientist, Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics
$117K - $201K *
Advance drug development by leading clinical pharmacology strategies, leveraging modeling and analysis expertise to optimize studies throughout all phases, and influencing key decisions in collaborati...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Research Scientist, Foundational AI in Health
$174K - $252K *
Unlock potential by conducting cutting-edge AI research in health technology, focusing on wearables and mobile platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that e...
3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist - New Product Development
$111K - $135K *
Develop and commercialize innovative sample preparation and LC-MS/MS solutions, addressing complex biopharma challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive R&D projects and deliver impac...
1 week ago
$115K - $175K *
Unlock potential by leading complex engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collaborating with diverse teams to mitigate risks and maintain stakeholder relationships...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Manager, AI Engineering
$140K - $190K *
Transform legal research by leading a dynamic AI engineering team to modernize KeyCite. Drive innovation in AI capabilities and backend systems while fostering collaboration across teams to enhance le...
3 days ago
Senior Manager, Compliance and Privacy
$136K - $156K *
Join a team that's shaping compliance and data privacy strategies, driving policy development, and leading training initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to mitigate risks and en...
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.