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 Research Associate, Evidence Synthesis
$90K - $105K *
Elevate cancer detection research by leading systematic evidence reviews, mentoring junior staff, and managing projects to inform guidelines. Collaborate with experts to ensure high-quality outputs an...
Today
Principal Scientist and Group Leader, Antibody Engineering
$141K - $262K *
Drive biotherapeutic innovation as a Principal Scientist, leading a lab team to develop breakthrough protein technologies and advance clinical candidates through collaborative, interdisciplinary resea...
3 weeks ago
$121K - $182K *
Unlock potential by designing and validating innovative algorithms across diverse domains, enhancing systems in networking, data fusion, and electronic warfare. Collaborate with experts to tackle real...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $90K *
Optimize paid search campaigns through strategic analysis, collaboration, and implementation of innovative strategies to enhance performance and ROI, while managing client interactions and deliverable...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $175K *
Shape the future of electrical testing by leading technical initiatives, mentoring specialists, and enhancing test processes to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate across teams to...
1 week ago
$140K - $175K *
Lead the charge in advancing electrical test processes, establishing best practices, and mentoring a team of Test Specialists. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust testing and qual...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to lead HR initiatives that drive business success. Leverage your expertise to enhance employee engagement, manage complex projects, and support strategic goals within a dynamic busine...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock the potential of your HR expertise by leading strategic initiatives that enhance people management and drive organizational success. Collaborate with leadership to implement best practices and...
3 weeks ago
Civil Programs Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Lead project management efforts for aircraft completion and maintenance, ensuring collaboration across teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget while enhancing customer satisfac...
4 weeks ago
Civil Programs Project Manager
$100K - $120K *
Drive project execution by collaborating cross-functionally to ensure successful aircraft completion, maintenance, and delivery while managing schedules, budgets, and customer relations to enhance cli...
4 weeks ago
Research Associate - In Vivo Biosensor Development
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and optimize molecular biosensors for brain-computer interfaces, executing in vivo imaging experiments and collaborating across disciplines to drive breakthroughs in neu...
3 weeks ago
Senior Associate Scientist, Investigations and Compliance Specialist
$68K - $114K *
Optimize quality investigations by ensuring compliance with standards, analyzing data, and collaborating with teams to enhance processes. Drive improvements in GMP microbiology through proactive engag...
Today
Data and Research Management Analyst
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing data management processes. In this role, you will oversee vendor relations, manage inventory accuracy, and support financial controls, contributing to effecti...
Reposted 1 week ago
Scientist / Senior Scientist Translational Biology
$115K - $170K *
Shape the future of translational biology by leading preclinical studies to enhance our innovative therapies aimed at retinal health. Collaborate with diverse teams to deepen understanding and explore...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist I, Frontiers Target Champion
$108K - $201K *
Advance your career by driving innovative research in Biomedical Science. In this hands-on role, you'll lead experimental projects, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate across teams to explore ne...
4 days ago
Senior - Forensics - Assurance
$80K - $95K *
Join us to support organizations in managing ethical risks and restoring reputations. Collaborate with clients on investigations and compliance engagements, utilizing advanced forensic technologies to...
Yesterday
Technical Program Manager, Research
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing critical technical programs, enhancing research infrastructure while ensuring impactful collaboration across teams. Empower researchers to translate their wor...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Technical Program Manager, Research
$110K - $130K *
Champion technical program management by driving innovative research agendas, optimizing processes, and supporting a dynamic team focused on AI safety and efficiency. Raise our technical standards whi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Associate - Process Development
$90K - $105K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on innovative cell therapy process development, where you'll design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate to drive impactful results in a fas...
1 week ago
Research Scientist / Research Engineer, Search - Knowledge Graphs
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining knowledge extraction by developing innovative methods for mining structured information from diverse web content, enhancing AI model performance and retrieval capabilitie...
6 days ago
$131K - $172K *
Lead the medical laboratory team by providing diagnostic services, ensuring quality standards, and managing operations. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance patient care through effect...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Support clinical studies by assisting with scientific conduct, data reconciliation, and protocol management. Engage with stakeholders to ensure compliance and operational excellence across multiple st...
Reposted 5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform manufacturing processes through technical expertise and leadership, driving compliance and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product delivery and foster continuo...
Reposted today
Senior Innovation Research Specialist
$100K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining product innovation by leveraging research methodologies to drive market insights and develop compelling business cases for new concepts in a dynamic, collaborative enviro...
2 weeks ago
Principal Enterprise Identity Engineer - RDT Identity & Access Management
$114K - $263K *
Join us to shape the future of enterprise identity management, driving zero-trust initiatives and overseeing the seamless deployment of identity solutions across a complex global landscape. Mentor tal...
Reposted today
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.