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 Research Scientist - Microbiology and Immunology
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in advanced cancer immunology research, executing complex experimental protocols and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with physician-scientists to analyze clinical specimens and con...
6 days ago
Clinical Research Program Manager, Hybrid
$110K - $130K *
Empower clinical research initiatives by managing a disease-focused portfolio, leading a dedicated team, and ensuring compliance and efficiency in trial operations while fostering collaboration and st...
5 days ago
Clinical Research Program Manager, Hybrid
$110K - $130K *
Manage a clinical research portfolio, leading a dedicated team to drive innovative research. Oversee operations, ensure compliance, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance program success and eff...
5 days ago
Research Lab Manager - Dunn Lab
$79K - $130K *
Manage daily lab operations, oversee research personnel, and enhance lab efficiency through innovative practices while ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and quality standards...
Today
Scientist / Senior Scientist, Library Prep
$111K - $161K *
Shape your career with a pivotal role in developing innovative library prep methods for a cutting-edge protein sequencing platform, driving accuracy and efficiency in sequencing outcomes through creat...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive critical cyber threat research initiatives, assessing and integrating advanced technologies to enhance security operations for government clients facing cyber challenges. Collaborate across team...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing advanced technical support and troubleshooting for end-user computing environments. Elevate user experiences by resolving complex issues and enhancing operati...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform healthcare data solutions by designing scalable architectures, optimizing data pipelines, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-qu...
Reposted today
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex data science projects, mentor talent, and drive innovative solutions for mission-critical challenges. Utilize advanced analytics and machine learning to transform d...
5 days ago
VP, Quantitative Research Analyst - Credit, Execution Research and Advisory
$173K - $245K *
Transform execution outcomes by leading credit research initiatives. Collaborate with traders and portfolio managers to address challenges, enhance decision-making, and drive innovative solutions acro...
Reposted today
$120K - $145K *
Engineer scalable, secure web applications while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with customers to solve complex challenges. Drive architectural decisions and enhance product quality in a...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of our scalable architecture by owning stability, security, and performance. Collaborate with customers and teams to solve complex challenges while mentoring junior engineers and driv...
3 weeks ago
$138K - $165K *
Shape the future of semiconductor technologies by leading innovative R&D projects. Drive development of wafer-level interconnects and packaging, while mentoring teams and collaborating with key stakeh...
Reposted yesterday
Global Category Lead - Discovery Research
$177K - $278K *
Unlock enterprise value by leading category strategies and managing a team of category managers. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to optimize external spend, drive innovation, and ensure sustainab...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $180K *
Lead the design and integration of advanced electrical systems for autonomous vehicles. Drive technical decisions, ensure safety compliance, and collaborate across teams to transition prototypes to pr...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative algorithmic solutions to complex technical challenges, leveraging AI, machine learning, and statistical methods. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance national security applic...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $200K *
Drive innovative editorial projects by researching, writing, and collaborating with partners to create engaging content on startups, technology, and AI. Utilize data analysis and storytelling to uncov...
1 week ago
$80K - $90K *
Lead the charge in conducting advanced chemical analyses for food products, ensuring quality and compliance. Mentor junior chemists while managing projects and optimizing analytical methods to support...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative video and advertising experiences in sports entertainment. As a Senior Product Consultant, lead execution and strategy across high-impact products while collabora...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Reinforcement Learning & Autonomous Decision Systems Engineer
$170K - $200K *
Engage in cutting-edge reinforcement learning and AI systems development for aerospace and defense. Drive autonomous decision-making and enhance mission capabilities through innovative engineering sol...
4 days ago
Research Engineer, Post-Training Model Evaluations
$500K+*
Drive the evaluation strategy for production models, ensuring accurate assessments of model quality. Collaborate with research teams, optimize measurement processes, and monitor live training runs to...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Post-Training Model Evaluations
$500K+*
Lead the evaluation strategy for production models, ensuring accurate assessments of model quality. Collaborate with research teams, optimize measurement processes, and monitor live training runs to e...
3 weeks ago
$113K - $121K *
Create cutting-edge EUV source technologies through hands-on experimentation, collaboration, and prototype development, advancing both new and existing systems while driving innovation and performance...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$78K - $98K *
Empower our Finance Department by managing litigation budgets, analyzing performance, and driving innovation through strategic project management and AI tools. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure...
Yesterday
$78K - $98K *
Manage financial oversight and project tracking for litigation matters. Drive innovation and enhance processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with budgets and time...
Yesterday
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.