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 Design Researcher, Pixel, AI Systems and Hardware
$159K - $230K *
Advance user experience by conducting innovative research and prototyping. Collaborate across teams to define AI-driven solutions, ensuring products meet user needs through comprehensive studies and e...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by developing robust ML systems that enhance self-improvement through reliable training and evaluation loops. Collaborate across teams to ensure feedback mechanisms are effective and...
5 days ago
Principal Research Associate, Analytical Development
$89K - $143K *
Partner with us to execute analytical control strategies for vaccine programs. Support regulatory readiness and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring high-quality documentation and compliance with...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Research Associate, Analytical Development
$89K - $143K *
Transform microbiological method development for mRNA vaccines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize, validate, and implement robust microbiological methods, ensuring high standards in...
3 weeks ago
Senior Terrestrial Biologist / Ecologist
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by leading ecological assessments and monitoring programs. Engage in diverse projects supporting environmental compliance and sustainability, while mentoring teams and driving stra...
5 days ago
Sr. Director, Research and Development Quality Assurance
$239K - $295K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic GCP/GLP/GVP Quality Operations, driving continuous improvement in research quality processes, and collaborating across departments to ensure compliance and exc...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $190K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...
6 days ago
Associate Distinguished Engineer - Senior Data Leader
$190K - $240K *
Unlock potential by leading enterprise data initiatives, driving MDM and semantic layer strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver scalable data solutions across complex organizations...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of clinical research, providing medical oversight and guidance in early-phase trials. This role emphasizes collaboration, patient interaction, and work-life balance...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive excellence in research administration by managing pre and post-award activities, ensuring compliance with grant regulations, and providing expert guidance to faculty on proposal development and...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Drive innovation by owning production systems that enhance appliance repair efficiency, leveraging cutting-edge AI to optimize diagnostics and service calls. Collaborate closely with engineers to rapi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Science AI, Google Research
$147K - $210K *
Lead the charge in advancing scientific discovery through innovative AI systems, managing research agendas, and collaborating with experts to tackle high-impact challenges in computational biology and...
6 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Transform customer interactions with cutting-edge AI, optimize workflows and enhance service efficiency while collaborating with tech and business teams to deliver impactful software solutions in real...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Scientist - Personalization
$133K - $190K *
Innovate in machine learning and AI by conducting research on large-scale models, developing methodologies, and collaborating with teams to enhance personalization systems and user experiences...
1 week ago
$110K - $205K *
Engineer innovative reliability solutions for advanced staining systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and performance, driving project deliverables and enhancing system...
2 days ago
$110K - $205K *
Join a dynamic team to drive system integration for next-gen staining systems. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to enhance performance, collaborate across functions, and ensure complianc...
2 days ago
Clinical Research Clinician, Associate Director
$139K - $231K *
Shape the future of clinical research by leading trials, ensuring safety, and overseeing medical governance. Collaborate with teams to drive study success while providing expert medical support and gu...
Yesterday
$105K - $200K *
Lead the charge in designing and operationalizing an enterprise AI platform in Azure GCC High, enabling secure access to AI capabilities and supporting internal teams with innovative solutions and gov...
4 days ago
Senior Human Resources Manager
$150K - $160K *
Transform the HR landscape by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing employee experience, and fostering a high-performing culture. Collaborate with leadership to drive talent management and ensure c...
Reposted 2 days ago
Research Scientist II- Study Director
$128K - $176K *
Join a team that's pioneering innovative extractables and leachables studies, driving scientific excellence and regulatory compliance in medical and pharmaceutical products while collaborating with cr...
1 week ago
Senior Polymer Scientist / Engineer
$120K - $135K *
Drive the future of PVC materials technology from formulation to manufacturing. As a Senior Polymer Scientist/Engineer, you'll optimize PVC formulations and support high-performance building products...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Chromatography
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in advancing laboratory diagnostics by conducting complex tests, mentoring junior scientists, and driving quality improvements to ensure data accuracy and reliability in a collaborativ...
1 week ago
Scientist, Bioassay Development - Analytical Development
$72K - $161K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to develop and execute bioassays for RNA-LNP therapies, ensuring product quality and safety throughout the development lifecycle. Bring your expertise to drive innov...
Yesterday
Senior Clinical Laboratory Specialist
$80K - $95K *
Join our team as a Senior Clinical Laboratory Specialist, where you'll provide technical support for clinical and manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency while mentoring staff and...
Reposted yesterday
$145K - $185K *
Transform complex technical initiatives into impactful outcomes by leading cross-functional teams and driving innovation. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of lar...
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.