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 - $120K *
Drive innovative research and education programs addressing mental health and substance use disorders. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance community partnerships and increase access to...
Yesterday
$180K - $210K *
Elevate customer success by providing expert technical support for AI-powered robotic systems. Drive incident resolution, enhance support processes, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamle...
1 week ago
$71K - $92K *
Join a team that's dedicated to analyzing and managing risk across financial and non-financial domains. Collaborate with global stakeholders to enhance compliance and reporting processes while support...
1 week ago
Senior Data Scientist, People Analytics & Research
$180K - $210K *
Lead the charge in transforming people analytics by applying causal inference and advanced statistical methods to drive strategic decisions on recruitment, retention, and compensation across the organ...
1 week ago
Principal R&D Systems Engineer
$117K - $201K *
Transform surgical robotics by leading systems engineering for a complex platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, performance, and usability throughout the product lifecycle...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Clinical Research Scientist
$122K - $171K *
Drive clinical evidence generation and trial strategy for innovative medical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and close clinical studies, ensuring compliance and su...
1 week ago
$115K - $215K *
Elevate your career by researching and developing innovative 3D printing materials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to experiment, validate, and enhance materials for various applications in d...
4 weeks ago
$115K - $215K *
Advance your career in revolutionary materials science by developing cutting-edge materials for 3D printing through innovation, rigorous experimentation, and collaboration with engineers and product t...
4 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed AI Engineer
$140K - $160K *
Lead the charge in embedding AI solutions across clinical, product, and operations teams, ensuring validated and governed features are shipped. Own initiatives end-to-end, enhance AI fluency, and buil...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing energy research through data analysis, evaluation, and reporting. Collaborate on projects that drive insights and support decision-making for energy and utili...
3 weeks ago
Research Manager, HBS AI Institute
$100K - $120K *
Transform research compliance by leveraging AI tools to streamline workflows, enhance documentation processes, and support faculty at the HBS AI Institute. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure adh...
4 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Manage key HR processes and projects, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans while coordinating stakeholders and ensuring timely execution in a fast-paced environment. Bring structure...
4 weeks ago
Principal Scientist - AI-Reasoning for Drug Discovery
$117K - $201K *
Transform drug discovery as a Principal Scientist, leading the development of AI reasoning platforms that leverage multimodal scientific data and enhance decision-making from lab to life, impacting bo...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Scientist - AI-Reasoning for Drug Discovery
$117K - $201K *
Drive innovation by developing an AI-Reasoning platform to enhance decision-making in drug discovery, leveraging large datasets and advanced reasoning techniques to accelerate the translation of resea...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Scientist - AI-Reasoning for Drug Discovery
$117K - $201K *
Shape the future of drug discovery by pioneering AI-Reasoning platforms that synthesize complex scientific data into actionable insights, driving innovation in therapeutic development for patient well...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Scientist - AI-Reasoning for Drug Discovery
$117K - $201K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of AI systems that synthesize data into impactful insights for drug discovery, shaping the future of R&D through innovative reasoning and memory platforms t...
Reposted 6 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Champion the development of policy strategies that guide product decisions, ensuring compliance and safety while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tr...
2 weeks ago
Senior Life Sciences Analyst, AI Model Training
$110K - $130K *
Empower life sciences innovation by evaluating AI model outputs, ensuring quality and accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance predictive analytics and insights, bridging clinical...
2 weeks ago
Senior Lead Engineer Process (BLS)
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in designing innovative biotech processes. Drive compliance, optimize systems, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring project success from concept t...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Explore the intersection of AI and knowledge production by designing AI-driven experiments, developing large language models, and contributing to groundbreaking research in a collaborative environment...
2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist (Medical Device/Biocompatibility)
$100K - $125K *
Lead innovative preclinical studies in medical device biocompatibility, overseeing protocol development, execution, and reporting while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Eng...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Explore innovative solutions as a Scientist, leading projects on propellant formulation and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production processes and ensure safety while dri...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative Generative AI systems that transform real-world applications. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and deploy scalable AI solutions, ensuring seamles...
6 days ago
Senior Scientist, iPSC & Advanced Cellular Models R&D
$113K - $190K *
Advance scientific innovation by leading iPSC and advanced cellular model R&D. Drive multidisciplinary collaboration, establish strategies, and translate research into scalable solutions while mentori...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the implementation of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, ensuring effective monitoring and detection for clients. Collaborate with teams to enhance security frameworks while tackling complex e...
4 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.