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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$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

$80K - $95K *

Engineer systems by building and refining vehicle harnesses and PCBs, ensuring precise assembly for robust automotive integration. Collaborate on sensor and compute interfaces with attention to detail...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Empower your career by leading global healthcare market research projects. Utilize your expertise to enhance client relationships, manage project metrics, and ensure exceptional delivery while collabo...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of nuclear engineering by leading testing and verification of critical reactor components. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and performance, driving innovativ...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$268K - $384K *

Help us drive innovative research at the intersection of machine learning and life sciences, developing foundational models to solve complex biological problems and advance discoveries in the field...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $207K *

Lead a high-performing team driving innovative vaccine process development, providing strategic scientific leadership for polysaccharide fermentation and purification. Influence key decisions from dev...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $100K *

Lead complex investigations into human rights and workplace issues, ensuring fair, and traumasensitive processes. Utilize advanced expertise to uphold institutional integrity while advising on governa...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$108K - $130K *

Partner with us to ensure compliance and enhance quality by leading investigation teams, managing CAPA processes, and driving operational excellence across pharmaceutical manufacturing in a high-paced...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $130K *

Manage quality compliance investigations and teams, ensuring adherence to regulations while driving operational excellence through strategic leadership and data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation by providing expert technical support for IT Test and Evaluation. Collaborate on test methodologies, execute plans, and analyze data to ensure software reliability and compliance in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's transforming innovative designs into scalable production. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you'll develop processes, resolve build issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $95K *

Elevate your career by supporting project management and coordination for DSA projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative design solutions across educational and public se...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$155K - $211K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative data solutions that enhance business workflows and drive automation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into actionable insigh...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$149K - $186K *

Transform cancer research by applying advanced genomics analyses and integrating multi-omics data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive insights from clinical biomarker data, influencing...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $140K *

Lead the charge in overseeing laboratory operations and quality control, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with standards for materials testing in remote environments across the Northwest Terri...

Yellowknife, NTIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing eye health by leading the development of innovative inspection systems for automated medical-device manufacturing, ensuring quality and reliability in product...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.