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 Penetration Tester / Vulnerability Assessment Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by conducting advanced penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. Utilize expert techniques to identify and validate security weaknesses in cloud and on-premise...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Lead the charge in architecting intelligent compliance systems by designing multi-agent frameworks and optimizing AI/ML pipelines. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance compliance accuracy and ens...
1 week ago
Advanced Specialist, Security Engineer
$80K - $125K *
Help us elevate our cybersecurity posture by leading technical efforts in sovereign security architecture, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and mentoring engineers to enhance our secu...
Today
Advanced Specialist, Security Engineer
$80K - $125K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by leading technical efforts in sovereign security. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with global regulations, mentor engineers, and drive innovative soluti...
Yesterday
$119K - $178K *
Unlock potential by leading statistical analysis for assay development projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scientific integrity and regulatory compliance while fostering innova...
1 week ago
$85K - $102K *
Engage in advanced genomic analysis and project coordination, providing leadership and guidance in a collaborative research environment. Contribute to innovative solutions in bioinformatics to support...
2 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, R&D Data, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence - Immunology
$117K - $201K *
Join a team that's pioneering data science and AI strategies in Immunology. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to enhance research execution and decision-making, driving innovative solutions th...
5 days ago
Lead Developer, Research & Development
$108K - $140K *
Transform R&D initiatives by leading AI-driven solutions, integrating cloud data, and delivering advanced analytics. Champion innovation, mentor developers, and enhance strategic business processes to...
Reposted 4 days ago
$200K - $250K *
Join a team that's transforming materials research through automation. As an Automation Engineer, you'll integrate instruments, develop data models, and collaborate with scientists to enhance our auto...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Engineer the future of Linked Data and graph systems by leading modernization efforts, defining technical strategies, and mentoring teams. Collaborate closely with Architects and Product to drive stan...
Today
Senior Software Engineer- Rust / C++
$94K - $176K *
Drive innovation in document processing by leading high-impact projects, shaping architecture, and optimizing performance in a queue-driven pipeline. Collaborate across teams to enhance AI products an...
1 week ago
Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer
$140K - $179K *
Empower the future of space exploration by developing advanced thermal systems for spacecraft. Collaborate across teams to ensure optimal vehicle performance and health throughout missions, driving in...
3 weeks ago
$133K - $161K *
Drive innovation in aerospace by leading component selection and qualification efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product development and ensure compliance with industry stand...
2 weeks ago
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...
2 weeks 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 yesterday
$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
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.