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 Public Relations Manager - Corporate Affairs & Public Policy
$180K - $210K *
Champion impactful communication strategies around AI policy and corporate affairs, leading initiatives on responsibility, creative rights, safety, and public engagement while collaborating closely wi...
4 weeks ago
Associate Research Laboratory Manager
$85K - $138K *
Lead the daily operations of a research lab, supervising staff, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate on innovative projects to analyze immune responses and develop new assays, contri...
Yesterday
Research Scientist, Machine Learning & Signal Processing [Technical Leadership]
$180K - $220K *
Champion innovative AI research in wearable technology, leading a team to define strategies and drive impactful projects that enhance human-computer interaction through advanced biosignal interpretati...
1 week ago
Research Scientist, Machine Learning & Signal Processing [Technical Leadership]
$180K - $220K *
Lead innovative AI research initiatives focused on wearable technology, driving the scientific agenda and shaping next-gen capabilities through collaboration and mentorship within a high-performing te...
1 week ago
Senior Enterprise Systems Architect
$190K - $202K *
Shape the future of enterprise architecture, providing strategic guidance to align IT with mission objectives, enhance systems, and promote stakeholder engagement in complex DoD environments...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $110K *
Analyze diverse research projects to provide actionable insights for leadership. Collaborate with a dynamic team, utilizing AI tools and your curiosity to tackle complex questions and deliver clear, c...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving operational excellence in mission-critical programs. As a Senior Program Coordinator, you'll lead cross-functional initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and operational read...
Yesterday
$100K - $185K *
Elevate the legal landscape by leveraging AI to transform workflows. Collaborate with law firms to design and implement innovative solutions, ensuring successful adoption of advanced legal technologie...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of cyber operations by providing strategic support and guidance, ensuring effective program management and efficient financial processes within the Department of Defense and across va...
Reposted yesterday
$160K - $185K *
Lead technical innovation in the design and development of cutting-edge medical devices, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure manufacturability and compliance from concept through commercial rel...
2 weeks ago
$100K *
Unlock your potential by leading impactful research initiatives, collaborating with diverse teams, and mentoring emerging scientists. Drive innovative studies that enhance understanding of Latino popu...
Yesterday
Research Engineer, Machine Learning, GeminiApp Personalization, DeepMind
$174K - $252K *
Transform user experiences by designing and building scalable personalization features. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance AI capabilities and drive innovation in next-gen applications...
6 days ago
$111K - $185K *
Elevate your career by leading diverse design teams to deliver innovative architectural solutions. In this senior role, you'll manage resources, enhance performance, and develop future leaders while f...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $185K *
Join a dynamic team to lead diverse architectural projects, enhancing design quality and operational performance while mentoring future leaders and fostering client relationships across the US West re...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $185K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative architectural solutions across diverse projects. In this senior role, you'll manage teams, enhance performance, and foster client relationships while developin...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $185K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative architectural solutions while managing diverse teams and projects. Drive performance, foster client relationships, and develop future leaders in a dynamic envi...
2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist, Research and Development
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's advancing analytical science by developing innovative chromatography technologies. As a senior technical leader, you'll drive R&D efforts, translating complex scientific concepts in...
2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist, Research and Development
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative R&D in chromatography technologies. Drive advanced projects, mentor teams, and translate scientific concepts into manufacturable products, impacting analytica...
2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist, Research and Development
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative research in chromatography and electrochemistry. Drive product development from concept to commercialization, leveraging deep analytical expertise to solve compl...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the development and operation of a cutting-edge Security Observability & Data Platform, enhancing endpoint security, threat detection, and incident response while driving innovation in security s...
6 days ago
$139K - $168K *
Oversee product complaint investigations and ensure compliance with FDA regulations and ISO standards. Collaborate with teams to maintain quality practices and perform data analysis to support product...
1 week ago
Senior Research/Data Analyst - Mobility
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing USAF data accuracy and analysis. As a Senior Research/Data Analyst, you'll leverage quantitative methods to drive insights, develop predictive models, and com...
5 days ago
Senior Research Engineer, Olmo + Molmo
$174K - $261K *
Join a collaborative team pushing the boundaries of AI research and development. Leverage your deep learning expertise to design and deploy state-of-the-art models, driving impactful innovations in mu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing player experiences through user-focused research. You'll conduct studies, analyze behaviors, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful pr...
1 week ago
Member of Technical Staff, Distributed Systems Engineer
$300K - $400K *
Elevate system performance by identifying bottlenecks and optimizing compute resources. Engage with AI workload design and performance engineering to ensure reliable distributed systems and efficient...
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.