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 Technical Talent Researcher
$100K - $120K *
Champion the recruitment of top technical talent by leveraging innovative sourcing techniques and building strong client relationships to enhance talent acquisition strategies and drive organizational...
2 weeks ago
Senior Research Engineer - Applications Technology
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of sheet metal formability by leading R&D efforts, conducting experiments, and collaborating with teams to enhance product design and performance in industrial stamping processes...
Reposted today
Senior AI Systems Architect/Researcher
$195K - $275K *
Empower the future of AI by architecting scalable networking solutions. Collaborate across teams to tackle memory bottlenecks and drive innovation in distributed AI infrastructure, shaping the next ge...
5 days ago
Senior AI Systems Architect/Researcher
$195K - $275K *
Shape the future of AI infrastructure by architecting scalable networking solutions. Collaborate across teams to tackle memory bottlenecks and drive innovation in AI systems, ensuring efficient data m...
5 days ago
Senior AI Systems Architect/Researcher
$195K - $275K *
Shape the future of AI infrastructure by architecting scalable networking solutions. Collaborate across teams to tackle memory bottlenecks and drive innovation in AI systems, influencing product roadm...
5 days ago
$81K - $100K *
Drive impactful cannabis research by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating qualitative data. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance understanding of cannabis legalization's effects on public...
Today
Senior Engineer - Process Research & Development
$135K - $182K *
Drive Process Technology development within Health & Pharma by leveraging your expertise in chemical engineering. Collaborate cross-functionally to identify process improvements and foster leadership...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations
$110K - $130K *
Elevate material innovation as a Senior R&D Specialist, collaborating with design leaders to translate historical aesthetics into luxury collections while ensuring quality and performance standards ar...
1 week ago
Senior Application Security Researcher
$135K - $160K *
Engineer next-gen AppSec solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance detection capabilities and drive innovation in vulnerability research and autonomous pen-testing...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on innovative quantitative research in the pharmaceutical sector. Collaborate with experts to deliver impactful insights that enhance patient outc...
Reposted 3 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform pharmaceutical market research by leading innovative quantitative studies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering actionable insights that enhance client strategies and im...
Reposted 3 days ago
Executive Business Partner, Research
$117K - $170K *
Manage and streamline administrative operations, supporting executives and teams by anticipating needs, resolving issues, and coordinating logistics for projects and events in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
Senior Clinical Research Scientist
$228K *
Join a dynamic team to lead clinical trials, develop strategies, and ensure high-quality deliverables in oncology drug development while collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring junior...
1 week ago
$190K - $245K *
Champion AI innovation by developing cutting-edge models that analyze real-time global data, enhancing threat intelligence and risk assessment. Collaborate with a diverse team to drive impactful solut...
5 days ago
$190K - $245K *
Transform real-time AI research into impactful solutions by developing advanced models and systems that analyze global data, enhancing threat intelligence and decision-making for organizations worldwi...
5 days ago
$133K - $190K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of AI research by developing self-improving machine learning systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to tackle challenges in learning, generalizat...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Lead, External Research, Analysis, and Disclosures
$188K - $274K *
Transform energy research and disclosures by leading strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and translating complex data for diverse audiences. Drive impactful insights to support...
1 week ago
Senior Hydraulic Research Engineer and Laboratory Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in advancing bridge safety through innovative hydraulic research. Oversee lab operations, manage projects, and mentor a skilled team while developing critical design guidance for engin...
3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, GenAI Reinforcement Learning, DeepMind
$207K - $300K *
Unlock potential by advancing AI through innovative reinforcement learning solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance foundational models, driving impactful improvements in AI capab...
5 days ago
Senior Quantitative Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative trading models for options, collaborating with experts to enhance trading strategies and achieve optimal performance in a dynamic, fast-paced environment...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Researcher, Molecular Biology
$77K - $119K *
Join us to innovate and drive the development of mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines, shaping workflows and pioneering new approaches in a dynamic research environment...
5 days ago
Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology
$81K - $122K *
Join a dynamic team to advance LNP biology through in vitro and ex vivo assays, supporting targeted delivery programs and in vivo studies, while collaborating on data analysis and protocol development...
6 days ago
Senior/Staff Research Associate
$110K - $123K *
Unlock your potential by leading fermentation operations and flow cytometry workflows. Drive product improvements and new developments in a fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on innovative...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Advance the field of audio processing by designing algorithms and systems that transform large-scale speech datasets into high-quality insights. Collaborate across teams to enhance model quality and d...
4 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Advance the field of research by applying simple yet scalable methods on large datasets, optimizing for efficiency and effectiveness in diverse multimodal applications. Collaborate closely with expert...
Reposted 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.