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.
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading electrical engineering efforts for facility construction, installation, and commissioning. Drive compliance, oversee power distribution, and ensure safe operations while co...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive electrical engineering excellence by leading facility construction, installation, and commissioning efforts. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, troubleshoot issues, and establish robus...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology
$122K - $176K *
Unlock potential by developing multiscale computational models to inform drug discovery and development, leveraging biological knowledge and data analysis to enhance model accuracy and performance in...
2 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology
$122K - $176K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on developing multiscale computational models to drive innovative drug discovery and development, leveraging deep biological insights and advanc...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $125K *
Advance your career as a Systems Engineer, enhancing our global IT infrastructure. Collaborate with a dynamic team to manage Windows servers, cloud technologies, and automation in a fast-paced environ...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to impactful research and analysis in defense production systems, collaborating with Navy sponsors to inform strategic decisions. Engage in complex studies, develop analytic frameworks, and...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Advance your career by analyzing human decision-making in complex environments. Contribute to operational assessments and policy development that enhance command effectiveness and maximize the use of...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $228K *
Join a dynamic team to design and optimize scalable data pipelines, enabling advanced analytics and AI/ML initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality data solutions tha...
4 days ago
$135K - $228K *
Join a dynamic team to design and optimize scalable data pipelines, ensuring reliable access to data for advanced analytics and AI initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovat...
4 days ago
Senior Technical Engagements & Knowledge Management Lead
$120K - $176K *
Lead the charge in strategic knowledge management and executive support for high-visibility initiatives, ensuring seamless collaboration across agencies and fostering key partnerships for mission succ...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Provide advanced technical leadership in product design and development, focusing on innovation. Collaborate with manufacturing and project management to ensure seamless production startup and support...
1 week ago
Research Development Professional
$74K - $90K *
Help us enhance research funding success by developing strategic proposals and fostering collaboration among faculty and staff. This role requires initiative and creativity to build effective support...
1 week ago
$105K - $115K *
Engage with stakeholders to drive data-informed strategies, leading analytical projects from discovery to delivery. Mentor junior analysts and implement best practices in data modeling and reporting t...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Empower your career by leveraging data science to drive decarbonization initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable analytical solutions that address real-world emissions...
4 days ago
Applied Researcher 4 (AI Foundations, LLM Core and Agentic AI)
$218K - $249K *
Innovate the future of AI by developing foundational models and driving applied research. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform customer experiences through cutting-edge technologies an...
1 week ago
$130K - $170K *
Unlock potential by building robust test infrastructure for defense robotics, collaborating across teams to ensure seamless product advancement from prototype to production through comprehensive testi...
6 days ago
Research Engineer, Safety & Alignment
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading safety evaluations for autonomous agents. Collaborate with teams to develop alignment methods, conduct red-teaming, and ensure robust performance in real-world applications...
2 weeks ago
Associate Director, R&D Strategic Initiatives
$160K - $241K *
Join us to lead transformative R&D strategic initiatives, driving project execution across cross-functional teams while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder engagement for impa...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $176K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative engineering projects that enhance technological capabilities and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate across teams to solve complex problems while ensuring...
1 week ago
Senior Entity Resolution Engineer
$160K - $195K *
Unlock your potential by building advanced entity matching solutions. Collaborate with a dedicated team to transform complex data into actionable insights, ensuring transparency and accuracy in every...
3 weeks ago
$104K - $156K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing AI platform reliability and support. You'll manage day-to-day operations, troubleshoot issues, and optimize integrations, ensuring seamless AI experiences acr...
2 weeks ago
Senior EW Test & Evaluation Engineer
$187K - $261K *
Transform your career by leading test campaigns against jamming threats. Own the full test loop, collaborate with design teams, and ensure system resilience through innovative countermeasures and rigo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Research Development Officer
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research by identifying and securing federal contracts. Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop competitive proposals, ensuring alignment with stra...
1 week ago
Senior Clinical Project Manager
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's advancing oncology solutions by managing global clinical trials. Lead project execution from protocol development to study closeout, ensuring quality and compliance while fostering...
2 weeks ago
Senior Analyst, Program Control
$118K - $148K *
Lead the charge in optimizing program performance through advanced financial analysis, cost management, and strategic decision support, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder exp...
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.