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.
$100K - $122K *
Manage clinical trial monitoring activities, ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelines. Collaborate with teams to conduct site visits, verify data, and mentor junior members, all while suppo...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $122K *
Lead the charge in clinical research by conducting site visits, ensuring compliance with regulations, and mentoring junior team members. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing healthcare through i...
2 weeks ago
UX Researcher/ Human Factors Designer (Cognitive Systems Engineer)
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in optimizing human-system interactions for defense projects, ensuring seamless integration of advanced tools and workflows. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance decisio...
2 weeks ago
UX Researcher/ Human Factors Designer (Cognitive Systems Engineer)
$88K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team to optimize human-system interactions in defense projects. Leverage your expertise in Cognitive Systems Engineering to enhance decision-making and streamline workflows for U.S. Dep...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $115K *
Optimize global security operations by providing real-time situational awareness and proactive risk management. Collaborate across teams to ensure safety and security for personnel and assets in a dyn...
2 weeks ago
Senior Human Factors Engineer I/II, Robotics
$144K - $240K *
Transform complex operational software by leading user experience research, designing critical interfaces, and seamlessly collaborating with engineers to enhance automation in demanding environments...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leveraging data science to enhance fraud strategies, drive client engagement, and develop impactful solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and utilize machine learning...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge AI applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform complex business challenges into scalable solutions while ensuring ethical and regula...
2 weeks ago
Financial Analyst, Quantum and Research
$116K - $166K *
Lead financial planning and analysis initiatives, driving strategic insights and data-driven decisions across a multinational organization. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize budgeting, foreca...
1 week ago
$108K - $158K *
Drive high-impact programs across multiple domains, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to manage complex initiatives from conception to completion, leveragi...
1 week ago
$110K - $155K *
Champion program management excellence by conducting analysis, budgeting, and risk management to support acquisition programs. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and optimize lifecycle perfor...
1 week ago
Software Engineer / Research Scientist
$74K - $130K *
Build innovative Python applications and machine learning pipelines within a collaborative, cross-functional team. Drive software quality and CI/CD processes in a Linux environment while contributing...
4 weeks ago
Strategic Partnerships Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead strategic partnerships by engaging with crypto/AI builders, building a robust pipeline through outreach and relationship-building, and closing complex deals to position us as the preferred securi...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $205K *
Lead structural analysis efforts to ensure spacecraft meet performance standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to define analytical approaches and develop tools for efficient decision-making in...
Today
Principal Scientist, Surface Chemistry
$120K - $188K *
Elevate your career by joining a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative surface chemistries for NGS applications, driving advancements in consumable devices and enhancing biomolecule interaction...
2 weeks ago
Senior Applied Scientist, Frontier AI Tooling
$167K - $226K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI solutions by tackling complex problems, collaborating with stakeholders, and deploying innovative models that enhance business outcomes and customer experie...
1 week ago
$106K - $178K *
Lead strategic ecological initiatives, providing technical guidance and mentorship to enhance project delivery and client relationships across Western Canada. Drive business growth while ensuring comp...
1 week ago
$106K - $178K *
Lead the charge in ecological project management, providing strategic guidance and mentorship while navigating regulatory frameworks. Drive business growth and foster collaboration within a dynamic te...
1 week ago
$106K - $178K *
Shape the future of ecology by leading strategic projects and mentoring a dynamic team. Drive environmental assessments and foster client relationships while navigating regulatory frameworks across We...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Champion the deployment and optimization of robotics systems, bridging research and operations to enhance real-world performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to define long-term dep...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Generative AI, Research
$174K - $252K *
Pioneer innovative AI accelerator architectures, driving the design of cutting-edge instruction sets and collaborating across teams to enhance performance and efficiency in machine learning applicatio...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering
$100K - $120K *
Pioneer manufacturing excellence by implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability while leading capital projects and driving process improvements in a dynamic c...
Reposted 1 week ago
RESEARCHER, AGENTS FOR AUTOMATED DISCOVERY
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of automated machine learning by designing innovative multi-agent systems. Take ownership of research, experimentation, and production deployment, while collaborating with a dynamic t...
2 weeks ago
Senior Research Associate, Histology
$85K - $95K *
Contribute to the development and execution of histology assays on CNS tissue, ensuring accurate quantification and analysis to support gene editing programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...
2 weeks ago
Staff UX Quantitative Researcher, Agentic AI Ad Sales
$188K - $274K *
Unlock potential by driving user research initiatives that inform product development, ensuring user needs are met through comprehensive analysis and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhan...
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.