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.

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$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in analytical data quality, developing methods and standards for diverse chemistry. Drive automation and interpretation at scale, ensuring robust data for both models and customers whi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $130K *

Transform product development by leading innovative research initiatives, mentoring junior scientists, and collaborating across teams to ensure consumer-focused solutions that meet safety and sustaina...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovative AI projects that enhance business processes while owning the end-to-end execution from conceptualization to launch, balancing complexity and impact in a dynamic environment...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$260K - $290K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI across the enterprise, driving strategy, governance, and adoption. Your expertise will empower missions and enhance national security through innovative AI...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $175K *

Unlock the potential of cyber defense by leading advanced threat research initiatives. As a technical expert, you'll analyze adversary tactics, develop detection methodologies, and enhance operational...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $175K *

Empower your career as a Staff Threat Researcher, applying advanced methodologies to analyze and replicate cyber attacks. Collaborate with teams to enhance detection capabilities and drive operational...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's passionate about user insights and design innovative research strategies to enhance product understanding and decision-making. Lead comprehensive qualitative and quantitative studie...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $170K *

Join a team that's driving innovative clinical research across multiple regions, leading teams to ensure on-time deliverables and high-quality data management in complex trials. Support site managemen...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's pioneering innovative solid-form strategies for bRo5 molecules. Leverage your expertise in materials science to drive advanced screening approaches and collaborate across discipline...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$166K - $203K *

Join a team that's tackling complex health policy issues through innovative research. Lead projects, mentor staff, and deliver actionable insights to clients while managing budgets and timelines in a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Elevate progress at the forefront of medical-device manufacturing by leading the development of advanced inspection systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and efficiency in...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of clinical workflows by leading product design and development for OpenEvidence, collaborating with health systems to create innovative solutions that enhance clinician experiences a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $130K *

Redefine product innovation as a leader in chemical formulation, driving sustainable solutions and technical excellence across home and personal care sectors. Collaborate with teams to enhance product...

Burlington, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$85K - $100K *

Elevate your career by performing strategic analysis and developing plans for Civic and Justice projects. Collaborate with teams to secure funding and mentor staff while ensuring compliance with regul...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$136K - $170K *

Drive innovation in single-cell assays for AI-driven drug discovery, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop scalable workflows and enhance molecular readouts, shaping the future of hig...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$136K - $217K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of mechatronics innovation, collaborating with diverse teams to design and refine advanced electromechanical systems and robotics solutions, transforming ideas int...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing healthcare quality through rigorous evaluations and innovative research. Lead complex projects, foster collaboration, and drive strategic growth initiatives i...

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Advance healthcare innovation by leading complex evaluations and business development for Medicare models. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance quality, access, and cost-effectiveness in health...

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Collaborate with a diverse team to lead complex evaluations of Medicare models, ensuring quality deliverables and fostering client relationships while driving strategic growth initiatives in healthcar...

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading complex evaluations in healthcare innovation. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services through rigorous research, technical expertise, and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Drive the charge in healthcare innovation by leading complex evaluations and research initiatives. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services, ensuring quality and acces...

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Take ownership of impactful evaluations in healthcare innovation, leading complex projects and fostering collaboration among diverse experts. Drive business development and enhance Medicare models thr...

2 weeks ago

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

$97K - $182K *

Join us to lead and supervise clinical research operations in psychiatric trials, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance participant safety and research integrity w...

Today

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

$97K - $182K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of clinical research by leading multiple psychiatric trials. Oversee operations, ensure compliance, and mentor staff while driving participant engagement and data...

Today

  •   Less than 5 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.