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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$204K - $310K *

Join a pioneering team to shape the vision and capabilities of foundational models. Drive impactful research and product development that translates into real-world applications, while collaborating a...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$207K - $300K *

Empower innovation by leading research in generative AI and LLMs. Drive experiments, manage projects, and collaborate with experts to develop cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $190K *

Lead the charge in engineering foundations for enterprise AI, collaborating across teams to enhance delivery, reliability, and secure production use of AI technologies, driving innovation and improvin...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$96K - $144K *

Drive sterility assurance for medical devices, ensuring compliance and optimizing processes globally while leading technical teams through product development and regulatory challenges...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$176K - $304K *

Analyze advanced materials using computational methods to accelerate discovery and optimization. Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment, integrating physics simulations and AI to guide resear...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead a dynamic team in enhancing research services, managing staff, and driving innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of library users while participating in strategic planning and library m...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Grow your career by leading complex analytical projects and delivering expert support for diverse consumer products. Collaborate with clients to ensure accurate results while mentoring junior team mem...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that drives impactful data analysis and modernization efforts, leading initiatives to optimize enterprise data processes and guide junior analysts while creating a scalable foundation for...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Engage your expertise as a Principal UX Researcher, driving strategic insights and research initiatives across global design teams. Collaborate to enhance user experiences and foster an insight-led cu...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $200K *

Innovate by designing and building cutting-edge electronic systems, applying scientific methods to solve engineering challenges, and mentoring fellow engineers while owning system-level architecture...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$85K - $95K *

Champion payroll excellence by executing accurate, compliant payroll operations across multiple clients, enhancing service delivery, and driving process improvements while collaborating with HR and fi...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$153K - $184K *

Transform Canada's health innovation landscape by leading multidisciplinary R&D in immunology. Drive impactful collaborations and oversee advanced therapeutic development, ensuring alignment with publ...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $150K *

Champion innovative research in supportive oncology, shaping interdisciplinary programs that enhance patient experiences across the cancer continuum. Collaborate with diverse teams to secure funding a...

5 days ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing cultural resource projects through expert assessment, strategic planning, and effective management. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders while leading field...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Lead thermal system design and validation for cutting-edge electronic systems. Oversee technical decisions and mentor junior engineers across product lifecycles, ensuring performance and compliance. D...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $140K *

Shape the future of public service by leading technology consulting projects that enhance operational efficiency and strategic goals for state and local agencies, ensuring compliance and delivering im...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $150K *

Join a dynamic biotechnology equity research team, collaborating closely with senior analysts to conduct in-depth market analysis, build financial models, and produce insightful research reports that...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Optimize quality assurance processes by leading a team in a dynamic CDMO environment. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards while driving continuous improvement and effective communication acros...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Champion innovative genomic methods to track pathogens, guiding technical strategy and infrastructure. Lead bioinformatics integration, mentor trainees, and collaborate with external partners to advan...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $153K *

Transform the way we build cloud-based services by developing scalable, high-performing solutions while embracing innovative technologies and collaborating seamlessly within an agile team to deliver e...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $184K *

Lead the charge in shaping global Regulatory CMC strategies for synthetic moieties in ADCs, ensuring compliance and successful delivery of regulatory milestones across product development and lifecycl...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Lead cybersecurity governance and policy for a DHS program, ensuring compliance and effective implementation. Work with senior leaders to develop and communicate strategies across various environments...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of bioinformatics by analyzing multi-omics data to support innovative chemical and biological defense projects. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $130K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to analyze multi-omics data, develop data analysis pipelines, and advance innovative chemical and biological defense projects through cut...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$148K - $194K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative statistical computing platforms, enhancing productivity in data science. Collaborate across teams to create scalable, user-friendly tools that...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 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.