Explore Senior Researcher Jobs

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.

What Senior Researchers Do

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Senior Researcher Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Senior Researcher Roles on Ladders

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.

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$68K - $194K *

Contribute to impactful research by supporting data analysis and project documentation. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex national security issues through qualitative and quan...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative chemistry workstreams for radioisotope production, driving experimental design, mentoring scientists, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product develop...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative research in advanced materials for energy storage and conversion. Drive experimental design, mentor students, and contribute to groundbreaking projects in a coll...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $120K *

Transform research strategy by managing complex initiatives, enhancing communication, and driving alignment across multiple stakeholders. Collaborate with leadership to execute priorities and promote...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $145K *

Transform business processes by designing and deploying AI applications that enhance decision-making and automate workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to turn data into actionable insigh...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $149K *

Elevate employee support by optimizing AI solutions and enhancing digital experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to train and evaluate AI models, ensuring accurate, reliable interactions...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $149K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of employee support through AI innovation. As a Senior AI Analyst, you'll enhance AI models and solutions, ensuring optimal employee interactions and driving cont...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$188K - $244K *

Champion innovative robotics research by leading interdisciplinary teams, driving strategic directions, and translating cutting-edge findings into real-world applications. Collaborate with engineers a...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate AI initiatives by establishing a scalable operating model that unifies cross-functional teams, enhances stakeholder engagement, and drives transparency in roadmap execution and reporting for a...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $165K *

Transform AI initiatives by establishing a scalable operating model that integrates cross-functional teams, enhances stakeholder collaboration, and drives transparency in roadmaps and reporting for a...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $165K *

Drive the establishment of a scalable AI program operating model, coordinating cross-functional teams and stakeholders to enhance collaboration, transparency, and delivery across AI initiatives, ensur...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $185K *

Drive cybersecurity excellence by securing enterprise systems and technical solutions across diverse environments, collaborating with teams to implement risk management and compliance frameworks effec...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $135K *

Transform the proteomics landscape by delivering customer-focused application support, driving market growth through strategic partnerships and method development, while acting as a scientific ambassa...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $135K *

Transform customer engagements by delivering expert LC-MS support, driving growth through innovative proteomics solutions, and advancing scientific communication within the life sciences sector. Colla...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by leading the design and deployment of advanced control systems and automation solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in critical manufacturing processes wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in clinical research operations across multiple sites, mentoring staff and ensuring high-quality study execution. Drive program growth through effective collaboration and strategic ove...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $115K *

Partner with us to enhance client engagement and product success by leveraging your analytical skills and industry insights. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive improvements and support user adopt...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $90K *

Drive talent acquisition by managing full-cycle recruiting for technical roles, developing sourcing strategies, and partnering with hiring managers to ensure a positive candidate experience and meet b...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Help us advance visual storytelling through cutting-edge research in computer vision and graphics. Drive innovative algorithms for photorealistic image synthesis and collaborate with artists to solve...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$117K - $175K *

Drive innovation in embedded security by conducting advanced vulnerability research, reverse engineering systems, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance national security solutions...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$118K - $219K *

Champion the development of AI-driven legal software, leading a team to innovate and deliver scalable solutions. Drive technical strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure operational excellence in a fast...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$118K - $219K *

Lead the charge in architecting innovative AI-driven legal solutions, guiding a talented engineering team to deliver scalable, production-ready products while fostering a culture of experimentation an...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Transform clinical trial analytics by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop insightful reporting solutions, ensuring data accuracy and driving data-driven decision-making across the org...

Markham, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead and mentor an applied science team, translating client needs into rigorous research programs. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful project delivery and build trusted relationships with p...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$131K - $196K *

Champion clinical trial success by driving planning system enablement and standardization. Collaborate with Global Trial Leaders to ensure effective timeline management and deliver actionable insights...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a senior researcher do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.