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.
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of employee engagement by analyzing survey data, advising organizations, and guiding strategic action plans. Collaborate with HR leaders to enhance employee experiences and drive enga...
4 days ago
Senior Software Developer, Eye Tracking Algorithms
$182K - $186K *
Drive innovative algorithm development for eye-tracking systems, optimizing software for low-power devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance accuracy and scalability, tackling comple...
Today
Project Leader/Scientist II - Analytical Development
$110K - $138K *
Join a dynamic team to lead analytical method development, ensuring high-quality data generation and effective communication. Oversee cross-functional efforts, mentor staff, and drive innovative solut...
6 days ago
Senior Research Associate, In Vivo Pharmacology
$85K - $95K *
Drive in vivo pharmacology studies in rodents, managing dosing, monitoring, and data analysis to support gene editing programs for neurodegenerative diseases, ensuring accurate data collection and col...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $175K *
Transform data into insights by designing and maintaining scalable knowledge graph solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data quality and accessibility, while optimizing perform...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Empower the future of legal research by leading a dynamic engineering team to develop innovative AI-driven solutions. Drive technical excellence and foster a culture of continuous learning while deliv...
4 days ago
$150K - $200K *
Join a team that's transforming client engagement through innovative SAAS solutions. Drive strategic insights, enhance client value, and collaborate on product development to ensure impactful deployme...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $90K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Research Analyst, analyzing South Florida's commercial real estate market. Collaborate with brokers and clients to deliver insightful reports and strategic support, d...
6 days ago
Quantitative UX Researcher, Customer Engagement
$159K - $230K *
Drive impactful product research by collaborating with cross-functional teams to define UX metrics, analyze user behavior, and translate insights into actionable strategies that enhance user experienc...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive reliability engineering strategies to enhance flight system safety and performance. Lead multi-disciplinary teams, oversee project planning, and ensure risk-informed decisions throughout the pro...
4 weeks ago
Senior Technical Project Manager
$140K - $160K *
Pioneer innovative software solutions by leading complex projects from inception to delivery. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful implementation, driving alignment and accountability w...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Project Manager
$140K - $160K *
Champion project excellence by guiding software development initiatives. Collaborate across teams to deliver solutions, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to project timelines while navigating...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Project Manager
$140K - $160K *
Manage and guide cross-functional teams in delivering innovative software solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals and exceptional project outcomes while navigating complex challenges...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Solid State Science & API Engineering (SSAE), Material Analytical Science
$230K - $345K *
Empower innovation and leadership as you drive the strategic direction of the SSAE Group, enhancing drug substance and product development while mentoring top talent in a dynamic global environment...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive complex global projects to successful delivery by leveraging strong analytical skills and strategic thinking. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize solutions and ensure alignment w...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing clinical research initiatives, ensuring compliance and quality assurance while supervising staff and coordinating with stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes and...
1 week ago
Toxicology Senior Research Fellow
$232K - $348K *
Pioneer innovative safety assessments for novel therapies, leading cross-functional teams and strategies in preclinical research. Drive impactful decisions and mentor peers while advancing projects th...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive cross-functional CMC activities in cell therapy development, ensuring alignment and proactive risk management to support clinical and commercialization goals. Collaborate with technical and oper...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Agentic Runtime
$180K - $210K *
Empower innovation by designing and operating core runtime services for AI agents. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance, reliability, and observability in distributed systems, ensuring a se...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform engineering practices and drive platform evolution by enhancing CI/CD, cloud-native technologies, and developer tools. Collaborate across teams to deliver scalable solutions while mentoring...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Deliver strategic leadership in research initiatives, managing a diverse portfolio focused on worker safety, effective controls, and training evaluations. Collaborate with partners to advance particip...
6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Engage in impactful full-stack development and lead strategic technical initiatives while mentoring engineers. Drive innovation in enterprise AI, shaping culture and architecture for sustained growth...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Specialist, R&D Quality & Compliance
$82K - $115K *
Drive compliance and quality in R&D by overseeing documentation, audits, and inspections. Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to cGMP standards and enhance quality systems, supporting regulator...
4 days ago
Research Chemist - Biocatalysis
$95K - $115K *
Unlock innovation in enzyme catalysis by leading research and development of biocatalytic systems. Collaborate across teams to drive projects from lab validation to commercialization, enhancing sustai...
2 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Research Scientist - Safety Environments
$150K - $180K *
Join a pioneering research team to design safety benchmarks and environments for AI models. Drive innovative evaluations that enhance AI self-improvement and address misaligned behaviors, ensuring rob...
1 week 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.