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 Clinical Surveyor - Healthcare
$90K - $100K *
Shape the future of healthcare compliance by conducting thorough surveys, ensuring organizations meet established standards, and providing actionable insights to enhance quality and safety across the...
3 weeks ago
Senior Clinical Surveyor - Healthcare
$90K - $100K *
Join a dynamic healthcare survey team to ensure compliance with standards across the U.S. This role involves independent travel, analysis, and effective communication with healthcare organizations to...
3 weeks ago
Senior Clinical Surveyor - Healthcare
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring healthcare compliance and quality. As a Clinical Surveyor, you'll travel extensively to assess healthcare organizations, applying your expertise to enhance sta...
3 weeks ago
Senior Clinical Surveyor - Healthcare
$90K - $100K *
Join a dynamic healthcare survey team to ensure compliance with standards across the U.S. Engage with organizations, analyze practices, and prepare reports while traveling extensively to various healt...
3 weeks ago
Senior Clinical Surveyor - Healthcare
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring healthcare compliance across the U.S. as you conduct surveys, analyze standards, and engage with organizations to enhance quality and safety in healthcare deli...
3 weeks ago
Senior Clinical Surveyor - Healthcare
$90K - $100K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role assessing healthcare compliance, engaging with providers, and ensuring adherence to standards. Travel extensively across the U.S. while contributing to quality imp...
3 weeks ago
Senior Clinical Surveyor - Healthcare
$90K - $100K *
Explore the future of healthcare compliance by conducting thorough surveys, ensuring adherence to standards, and engaging with organizations to enhance quality and safety. Travel extensively across th...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Process Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's driving project success by managing multi-discipline engineering and construction activities. Leverage your expertise to ensure projects meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory stan...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform application development by leading innovative projects in PWR technology. Collaborate across teams to optimize methods, support customers, and drive product improvements in a dynamic R&D env...
1 week ago
Senior Developer - Front Office
$225K - $250K *
Drive innovation in electronic trading by developing low-latency Java applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize trading infrastructure, ensuring high performance and reliabilit...
Reposted today
Senior Manager Global Consumer Research Lead
$139K - $214K *
Drive consumer insights and research initiatives to enhance product strategy and brand health. Lead global studies, analyze trends, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to inform strategic deci...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $121K *
Lead impactful training initiatives designed to empower customers globally. Utilize innovative methods and foster strong relationships to enhance learning experiences and drive success across diverse...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Analyze and evaluate network anomalies in a 24/7 SOC environment. Collaborate with analysts on cyber threats, develop incident reports, and enhance SOC processes. Build test labs for research and prov...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Scientist I, Bioassay Development
$90K - $105K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Scientist I, leading bioassay development and validation projects. Collaborate with clients, mentor team members, and ensure quality in a dynamic lab environment whil...
2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist - Stem Cell & Developmental Biology
$81K - $90K *
Join a team that's advancing stem cell and developmental biology through innovative research and collaboration. Contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of biotechnology and human hea...
1 week ago
$93K - $113K *
Transform the recruitment landscape by leading full-cycle hiring for technical roles, fostering partnerships with leadership, and driving talent acquisition strategies for government programs...
4 days ago
Senior Machine Learning Scientist, AI for Biology & Translation (AIBT)
$147K - $274K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance biomedical discovery, leading high-impact projects while collaborating with diverse scientific teams to propel advancements in machine...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Human Data & Evaluation
$150K - $200K *
Champion innovative research initiatives by transforming complex client questions into actionable insights. Take ownership of projects from concept to delivery, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading complex Aerospace and Defense programs, ensuring successful execution from contract award to delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet customer expectations...
3 weeks ago
Applied AI Researcher, System Self-Construction
$150K - $250K *
Champion innovative AI research to build self-constructing systems that redefine software use, enhancing enterprise operations through collaborative intelligence and advanced systemic architectures...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Applied AI Researcher, System Self-Construction
$150K - $250K *
Innovate groundbreaking AI solutions as you push the boundaries of modular system design, enhancing efficiency and autonomy in enterprise operations through self-generating architectures and advanced...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Cybersecurity R&D - 1214807
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, driving secure solutions for routers, switches, and firewalls. Lead efforts in system security, certifications, and AI-enhanced vulnera...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Cybersecurity R&D - 1214807
$135K - $160K *
Drive technical leadership in cybersecurity, developing secure products and enhancing security capabilities. Collaborate across functions to integrate cutting-edge technologies and mentor a skilled te...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Take ownership of hardware testing processes to ensure quality and reliability of embedded systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and improve test plans while utilizing a...
Today
Research Associate, Expansion Microscopy Engineering
$75K - $110K *
Optimize and validate expansion microscopy protocols on brain tissue, enhancing throughput and quality while maintaining meticulous documentation and implementing troubleshooting techniques to foster...
1 month 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.